Whaler Sharks - seafdec.org.my

12 S h a r k s a n d R a y s o f B o r n e o
Glossary
acute – sharp or pointed.
adelphophagy – method of embryonic nutrition where the embryo cannibalises other
embryos within the uterus.
adpressed – pressed flat against the body.
alar thorns – paired patches of thorns on the outer disc of mature male skates.
angular – forming a distinct angle.
anterior – relating to front of or head end of an object.
barbel – a slender, tentacle-like sensory structure on the head.
benthic – living on the bottom of the ocean.
benthopelagic – living above but near the bottom of the ocean.
bilobate – having two lobes.
blotch – an enlarged area or patch that is different in colour to adjacent areas.
brackish – waters with a salinity between that of freshwater and saltwater.
buccal – pertaining to the mouth cavity.
bycatch – component of the catch excluding targeted commercial species.
cartilage – a skeletal material consisting of a matrix of soft, white or translucent
chondrin.
caudal keel – a longitudinal fleshy ridge along side of the caudal peduncle.
caudal peduncle – the posterior part of the body supporting the caudal fin.
cephalic lobe – broad lobe on forehead of some rays.
cephalopods – group of animals including cuttlefishes, nautili, squids and octopi.
cetaceans – group of aquatic mammals including whales and dolphins.
chevron – a V-shaped pattern of adjoining lines.
chondrichthyans – group of fishes including sharks, rays and chimaeras.
chondrin – a horny, gelatinous protein substance that forms the matrix of cartilage.
circumglobal – distributed around the world within a certain latitudinal range.
claspers – modified portions of pelvic fins in male chondrichthyans used for