Heterocercal vs. Homocercal
Heterocercaladjective
(ichthyology) Of a fish's tail, such that the vertebral column bends and extends upwards into the upper lobe of the tail, making it larger than the lower lobe; as in sharks, rays, and skates.
Heterocercaladjective
Having the vertebral column evidently continued into the upper lobe of the tail, which is usually longer than the lower one, as in sharks.
Heterocercaladjective
possessing a tail with the upper lobe larger than the lower and with the vertebral column prolonged into the upper lobe
Homocercaladjective
(ichthyology) Describing the symmetric tail of a fish that has two lobes extending from the end of the vertebral column.
Homocercaladjective
Having the tail nearly or quite symmetrical, the vertebral column terminating near its base; - opposed to heterocercal.
Homocercaladjective
possessing a symmetrical tail that extends beyond the end of the vertebral column (as in most bony fishes)
Heterocercal Illustrations
