Each of the small thin hard plates overlapping one another to cover the fish’s body.
anal fin
Swimming appendage formed of a membrane and rays located on the middle ventral portion of the body behind the anus; it provides stability.
caudal fin
Powerful swimming appendage with two lobes formed of a membrane and rays located vertically at the posterior terminal part of the body; its function is propulsion.
lateral line
Subcutaneous canal protruding from the body and head formed of organs that are sensitive to vibrations in the water; it detects and locates objects and animals.
soft ray
Long Y-shaped flexible part supporting the membrane of the second dorsal fin.
pelvic fin
Swimming appendage formed of a membrane and rays located on the ventral surface of the body; it helps especially in maintaining equilibrium.
pectoral fin
Swimming appendage made of bone that ensures stability, orientation, stopping and thermoregulation.
operculum
Thin bony plate of skin covering the gills and having a posterior valvular opening, the hearing organ.
maxilla
Toothed bone forming, with the premaxilla, the upper jaw.
mandible
Toothed bone forming the lower jaw.
nostril
External orifice of the nasal cavity located above the mouth with a highly developed olfactory function.
premaxilla
Bone forming the anterior portion of the upper jaw.
spiny ray
Hard sharp part supporting the membrane of the first dorsal fin.
