Word Definition A adipose fin A small extra fin found on some fish between the dorsal and caudal fins. aerobic Oxygen-rich aiptasia A small pest anemone known to over run aquariums quickly. And cause illness/death to any corals they come into contact with. Aiptasia are often combated by introducing butterfly fish and peppermint shrimp, two natural predators of the aiptasia. anal fin It is located on the ventral surface behind the anus. This fin is used to stabilize the fish while swimming. B ballast It is a transformer, which changes the voltage from your house outlet to the voltage needed to power different types of lighting. It often serves as the electrical supply for some lights, such as fluorescents and metal halide bulbs. barbel Whisker-like growths at the corner of the mouth on some fishes. Used for locating food. berried This refers to fish and other aquatic life who use external fertilization, carrying eggs with them whether outside or inside of their body. brackish Brackish water: water containing a small proportion of SALT water and a larger proportion of FRESH water branchiocranium The skeleton of the lower half of the skull, including the jawbones and gill covers. C caudal fin Fin at the rear end of a fish. Also known as the tail. copepods A group of small insect like crustaceans found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats. Copepods are often raised in a refugium and used as a food source for many marine animals D diatoms Delicate single cell nuisance algaes that have a yellow-brown color to them. Diatoms are sometimes refered to as Brown Algae and often appear as a brownish film across the bottom of new marine aquariums. dorsal Dorsal fin: fin on top of the fish. Usually single, but some species have two dropsy It is a term given to the swelling that occurs internally in the fish. Causes are often internal parasites, kidney failure and poor water quality. F filtration Process of removing waste material from the tank water to prevent pollution G gill rakers They are bony, finger-like projections of the gill arch filaments which function in retaining food organisms. gills Organs which form part of fish respiratory system, through which it extracts oxygen from water gravid Condition of a female LIVEBEARER when carrying young internally H heater A very important equipment used to regulate the temperature of the aquarium. It may or may not be included with a thermostat. I ichthyology Ichthyology is the branch of zoology devoted to the study of fish. This includes skeletal fish (Osteichthyes), cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes), and jawless fish (Agnatha). An estimated 25,000 fish species exist, comprising a majority of vertebrates. While a majority of species have probably been discovered and described, approximately 250 new species are officially described by science each year. The practice of ichthyology is associated with marine biology, limnology. L lateral line A line of sensory scales along the sides of fish that enables them to detect vibrations and electrical impulses from other fish. lumens A measurement of light intensity. (1 lumen=10.76 lux). M macroalgae Large celled algae plants commonly used in a saltwater or reef aquarium to aid in the natural filtration process. Macroalgaes reduce the levels of phosphates, nitrite and nitrates. milt Fertilizing fluid of the male fish N nitrate It is considered as the final product of the nitrogen cycle. It is harmless when kept under 40 ppm however anything higher than that poses a health risk to the fish. nitrite A poisonous substance that is caused by the breaking down of poop and ammonia via the presence of beneficial bacteria. P pectoral Paired fins situated immediately behind the gill cover pelvic fins They are located ventrally below the pectoral fins. protein skimmer A protein skimmer or foam fractionator is a device used mostly in saltwater aquaria to remove organic compounds from the water before they break down into nitrogenous waste. Protein skimming is the only form of filtration that physically removes organic compounds before they begin to decompose, lightening the load on the biological filter and improving the redox potential of water. Q quarantine tank A separate tank that is used to keep sick or diseased fish in order to treat the fish. Mainly used so that specific fish can be targeted with medicated foods and with medicines, salt or heat treatments if needed. Also used a lot by those who have planted tanks or invertebrates because of the negative effects that medications and salts have on plants and inverts. S salinity Relative amount of salts in the water V vivarium A vivarium, usually contained in a clear-sided container (typically constructed of glass or high-strength plastic) in which water-dwelling plants and animals (usually fish, and sometimes invertebrates, as well as amphibians, marine mammals, and reptiles) are kept in captivity, often for public display.