Dictionary of Ichthyology

Brian W. Coad and Don E. McAllister^†

Revised: 07 May 2008

L

L = litre (33.81 fl oz, 0.264 gal).

L₁ = total length at formation of first winter annulus in the scale or otolith.

l₁ = total length at formation of first winter annulus in the scale or otolith as determined by back calculation from the formula l₁ = Lv/V where v is the linear dimension of the scale within the first winter annulus and V is the linear dimension of the scale.

L_¥ = asymptotic length (length at infinite age).

L/min = litres per minute (0.264 gal/min).

L-number = a numbering system use to identify shipments of Loricariid catfishes used by the aquarium magazine DATZ (Die Aquarien und Terrarienzeitschrift). The number may refer to species as yet unidentified or to populations of the same species. It is retired once the fish is identified by a scientific name. See also LDA.

L-zone = that part of a micro-increment of an otolith that is light in transmitted light or is an elevated region when acid-etched and seen with a scanning electron microscope. It has less organic matrix and more calcium carbonate than the D-zone, q.v. Also called incremental zone.

labbered = fish mature enough to ripple the stream.

Laberdan = beheaded and gutted, salt-cured cod (Germany).

labial = pertaining to the lip; viewed from the lip or outside of the mouth (opposite of lingual).

labial cartilage = one of the extra cartilages along the jaws of Elasmobranchii.

labial fold = the lip fold; the fold behind corners of the mouth in Elasmobranchii which provide slack in the skin for protrusion of the jaws.

labial furrow = labial fold.

labile = capable or propensity to undergo change; said of characters used in describing fishes.

labium = lip or any lip-like structure.

laboratory fish = a fish species used for experimental purposes in a laboratory setting as opposed to those used in aquaculture, the aquarium trade, etc.

Labrador floater = a fishing schooner (Newfoundland). See Labrador schooner.

Labrador cure = heavily-salted, kench-cured cod with 17-18% salt and 42-50% moisture. Also called Labrador soft cure and Labrador fish.

Labrador fish = Labrador cure.

Labrador fishery = a branch of the inshore cod fishery carried out from early summer to fall by migratory Newfoundland fishermen in schooners or from shore stations.

Labrador slop = salt bulk of inferior quality.

Labrador retriever = used by fishermen to bring nets to shore by pulling on the floating corks.

Labrador schooner = a Newfoundland migratory fishing vessel of from 30-200 tons carrying out the Labrador coastal cod fishery during the summer.

Labrador soft cure = Labrador cure.

Labrador voyage = the enterprise or period of fishing by Newfoundland migratory cod fishermen in Labrador waters.

Labrador whaler = a double-ender (pointed bow and stern) dory carried on a Labradorman. Used to handline for cod, returning to the Labradorman throughout the day to unload their catch for cleaning and salting in the hold.

Labradorman = 1) a 40-60 ton schooner from Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia that fished the bays of the Labrador coast in summer. Each schooner carried 4-6 Labrador whalers on deck.

Labradorman = 2) a migratory fisherman carrying out the cod fishery in Labrador coastal waters.

labriform = wrasse-like, used to denote a form of locomotion using the pectoral and caudal fins only. See also anguilliform, carangiform, ostraciform, thunniform.

labyrinth = 1) the internal ear of fishes. Comprises a pars superior composed of three semicircular canals, q.v., and the sac-like utriculus, and a pars inferior composed of two sac-like structures, the sacculus and lagena

labyrinth = 2) barricade (a barrier used to lead fish into an enclosure, e.g. fyke net, pound net, etc.). Japanese labyrinths may be complex mazes up to a kilometre long.

labyrinth organ = a much folded suprabranchial accessory breathing organ found in Anabantoidei. Formed by vascularized expansion of the epibranchial of the first gill arch. Used for respiration in air. Also called accessory breathing organ.

labyrinthi membranacei = plural of labyrinthus membranaceus.

labyrinthodont = a type of tooth with a complex infolding of dentine (an outer enamel layer may also be present) forming a labyrinthine pattern that can be seen in cross-sections. Found in Crossopterygii and primitive Amphibia. A pulp cavity is not always present, and the entire tooth may be filled with folded dentine.

labyrinthus membranaceus (plural labyrinthi membranacei) = membranous labyrinth (the semicircular canals and the appended otosac. The canals and chambers are filled with endolymph and surrounded by perilymph. The membranous labyrinth is enclosed in cartilage in Cyclostomata and Elasmobranchii, in several bones in Teleostomi, the bony labyrinth).

labyrinthus osseus = bony labyrinth (the skeleton of the membranous labyrinth, composed of otic bones anteriorly, occipital bones posteriorly and dermal roof bones dorsally).

lace = 1) fine plastic tubing wrapped around the shank of a hook to give the appearance of a segmented body.

lace = 2) the round stick used to form the mesh in making fishing nets (Dorset).

lace hoods = lastridge.

lachrimal = lachrymal.

lachrymal = the first, paired, dermal bone in the circumorbital series, the largest. Also called preorbital and also spelled lachrimal, lacrimal.

lachrymal groove = a small grove on the lower edge of the snout just above the upper lip, formed from a fold of skin under the edge of the lachrymal bone.

laciniate = incised with divisions coarser than serrae; used to describe the free margins of the scales of some fishes.

lacrimal = lacrhymal.

lacrymojugal = a paired dermal bone formed from the fusion of the first two infraorbitals, e.g. in Latimeria and Homalopteridae.

lacuna = space, cavity or gap. e.g. in bony or cartilaginous tissues in which osteocytes or chondrocytes are found. Lacunae are usually interconnected and connected to capillaries via canaliculi through which the cell extends processes to interact with other cells for respiration, nourishment, etc.

lacustrian = lake-dwelling.

lacustrine = pertaining to or inhabiting lakes or ponds.

lacustrine anadromous = fish seeking a lake or pond in which to spawn and coming from a marine or brackish environment.

ladder = a series of steps with flowing water and pools enabling a fish to circumvent an obstruction such as a dam by leaping from step to step. Also called fishway, fish pass.

ladder count = a method used to estimate spawner abundance by counting adult salmon returning upstream to spawn as they pass a fish ladder.

lade = to empty water out; a technique where a dammed water body is laded out to enable fish to be caught easily.

lade net = a long handled net on an iron hoop for taking fish out of the sea or a well.

lady = a title for the masters of the second and third English fishing vessels to reach a harbour in Newfoundland, carrying with it certain privileges for the season. See also fishing admiral.

lady day = lady day fish (Newfoundland).

lady day fish = catch of cod brought in at the end of the summer fishery on 15 August or , Lady Day (Newfoundland).

lagena (plural lagenæ) = the lower, posterior and outer chamber of the inner ear projecting from the sacculus, probably responsible for hearing. It is well-developed only in Cyprinformes. Contains an otolith, the asteriscus or lagenolith.

lagenæ = plural of lagena.

lagenolith = astericus (the otolith in the lagena. Also called asterisk. The largest otolith in Cyprinidae but small in other fishes).

Lagerstätten = mother lode, deposits rich in fossils, in complete fossils and in variety of fossils (German but used in English texts).

laggen = walking in the water with bare feet or splashing in the water, the latter applied to fish as well as children (Cornish dialect).

lagging of tide = the periodic retardation in time of the high and low water due to changes in relative positions of the moon and sun.

laggy = leggy.

lagoon = 1) a shallow pond or elongate channel separated from the open ocean by a sand bar or reef, or by a narrow outlet, with little or no freshwater input.

lagoon = 2) a settling pond for wastewater treatment.

lagoon slope = the back reef on a barrier or atoll reef.

laid back = dished out (a stream bank with an angle greater than 90 degrees).

lake = 1) a large, standing, inland body of water, usually fresh but may be saline; technically at least 8 ha. Also called loch or lough.

lake = 2) a stretch of water in a field of icebergs.

lake classification = a broad definition of a lake's character, e.g. oligotrophic, mesotrophic, eutrophic, q.v.

lake drainage = the catchment area of a lake.

lake of water = lake (2).

lakeland = an area abundant in lakes.

lakelet = a small lake.

lakerda = salted, dried fish such as Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) cut in slices and salted in barrels or boxes of 10 kg (Greece, Turkey and Armenia).

laksi fisher = lax fisher.

laksi gert = a salmon weir (Scottish dialect).

lam net = splash net (any net into which fish are driven or led by frightening them. The water surface may be thrashed with sticks, boat sides struck, water splashed, etc.).

lamella (plural lamellae) = a layer, a thin plate, e.g. the plates in the sucking disc on the head of Echeneidae; in gills the transverse vertical plate on the gill filaments through which capillaries run (sometimes called secondary lamellae).

lamellae = plural of lamella.

lamellar layer = fibrillary plate (the fibrous lamella or disk forming the base of a teleost scale).

lamina (plural laminae) = a small thin plate or layer.

lamina circularis = Canestrini's scale (a bony process or plate at the base of the first (unbranched) and second (first branched) ray of the pectoral fin of male Cobitis).

lamina circularis ossea = lamina circularis.

lamina pinnae ani = the bony plate which unites the distal ends of the central anal fin rays in spawning Mallotus.

laminae = plural of lamina.

laminar = blade-like, layered, stratified.

laminate = in layers.

laminated block = a block of fish fillets, frozen, skinless, boneless, weighing usually 7.4 kg and used as the basis for fish fingers or sticks, and portions. It may include some minced fish or be entirely minced fish.

lampara = a net similar to, but much smaller than, a purse seine with no pursing action used for catching schools of small fish attracted to lights, e.g. anchovy and pilchard. There is a central spoon-shaped section and two lateral wings and the net is usually operated from a small boat. The rapid retrieval of the lead line does close the bottom of the net but it is not a true purse.

lampern leap = a trap for the lampern, Lampetra fluviatilis, in English rivers; presumably a form of fish basket.

lamphedrin = a saliva-like fluid having anticoagulant haemolytic and cytolytic properties, secreted by the buccal gland in lampreys (Petromyzontiformes).

lamprey au sang = a recipe for lampreys where the blood is kept aside, the lamprey is scalded and the skin removed, a buttered pan is lined with vegetables, herbs, spices and garlic, lampreys and red wine are boiled in the pan for 12 minutes, leek and bacon are cooked in a buttered pan, drained lampreys are added to a pan alternating with the leeks and simmered, and the blood is poured over the dish after being made into a sauce with butter and flour. Usually served with fried bread.

lamprey pie = an old dish now out of favour; Lord Berkeley in Queen Elizabeth I day used to send such pies as presents to judges and other distinguished people.

lampricide = a poison for killing lampreys.

lamwash = landwash.

lancaster = an iron spacer between bobbins, q.v., with connecting chains to the fishing line, used in groundropes.

lance = a place name for shallow, shelving and sandy coves where lances (Ammodytidae) are found (Newfoundland).

lance seine = a seine with fine meshes for catching schooling lance (Ammodytidae) (Newfoundland).

lanceolate = spear-shaped, broad at the base and tapering to a point.

land = landed but usually in the sense of a fish caught and played on hook and line.

land of the flying fish = Barbados, as flying fish migrated between the island and the outflow of the Orinoco River from Venezuela, a rich feeding ground.

land fish = a person out of place, like a fish on land.

land frozen fish = fish frozen on shore.

land shark = 1) a person on the prowl for members of the opposite sex.

land shark = 2) a boarding house keeper, in the sense of someone cheating seamen.

land shark = 3) a usurer.

land shark = 4) one who seizes land by craft or force.

land shark = 5) a customs house officer.

land-crab = a person who is not a fisherman (Newfoundland).

land-locked = 1) living in waters shut off from the sea, or in waters with access to the sea though the fish are non-migrating populations; said of fish that have migratory populations elsewhere.

land-locked = 2) a water body enclosed or nearly so and thus protected from the sea.

land-stick = a pole, being the shore attachment of the leader from a large bag net.

landed = caught and brought to land or to shore.

landed catch = the total catch in a fishery less discards; the fish brought ashore. Also called retained catch. See total catch.

landed weight = landings.

landing limit = trip limit (the maximum catch that a boat is allowed to bring back from any one trip. Usually agreed between fishers and the government so that fishing can be carried out though a longer season and/or more people have a chance to fish).

landing net = a net on the end of a pole used to scoop up a large fish caught by angling. Pole length, net size and net shape vary.

landing price = price for a fish or a fish product at the landing point, not taking account of any transportation or handling costs (same as farm gate price in aquaculture).

landing site = location at which boats land their catch. A landing site may be the same as the homeport or base port but it can also be different. Recording of fishing activities tend to be conducted in the vessel homeport or base port, while sampling and recording of catches and species composition, landing prices, etc., are usually undertaken at landing sites.

landings = the number or weight of fish or fish products unloaded at a dock by commercial fishermen or brought to shore by recreational fishermen for personal use. Landings are reported at the points at which fish are brought to shore. Note that the catch is different and may include discards. Also called landed weight.

landings data = information on the amount of fish caught and landed in a given time period.

landman = landsman.

Landolt's club = in eyes of primitive fishes, the thick, club-like upper tip of the bipolar cells present only in retinas with mostly cones. Its function is unknown.

landshark = 1) a person on the prowl for members of the opposite sex.

landshark = 2) a boarding house keeper, in the sense of someone cheating seamen.

landshark = 3) a usurer.

landshark = 4) one who seizes land by craft or force.

landshark = 5) a customs house officer.

landsman = 1) a member of a fishing crew or team who processes the catch on shore (Newfoundland).

landsman = 2) a migratory fisherman from Newfoundland who fishes from a shore station on the Labrador coast.

landwash = the sea-shore between high and low tide marks, washed by the sea (Newfoundland). Sometimes used for a lake or river shore.

lane = a slow-moving, meandering stream or its bed (Scottish dialect).

lanted = said of fish which escape from a fish pond down a runnel, when there is not sufficient water to carry them to the river (Yorkshire dialect for left behind).

lantern net = a lantern-shaped net with a bamboo frame placed over a sighted fish and then released by hand to catch it. The lower opening is the larger and the fish is removed by the smaller upper opening. Similar to a cover pot or plunge basket (q.v.) but using netting on a framework. The netting may be a trammel net to entangle the fish.

lap = a collective noun (a noun that denotes a collection of persons or things regarded as a unit) for cod.

lap tail = in fish preparation, more than one inch of the flesh portion near the tail, folded in.

lapilli = plural of lapillus.

lapillus (plural lapilli) = the otolith in the utriculus of the pars superior. It is held in a vertical position against the cells of the utricular macula which is innervated by the anterior branch of cranial nerve VIII (the stato-acoustic nerve). Movements of the lapillus send signals to the brain and help the fish to maintain equilibrium. It is usually very small but is the largest otolith in Siluridae. Also called utriculith.

lappet = a small fleshy lobe, e.g. on the upper lip of the blenniid Cirripectus; a flat tab of skin on the head of Avocettinops.

lapstrake = clinker (a form of seaworthy boat construction built with planks overlapping the one below).

lapsus = lapsus calami.

lapsus calami (singular and plural) = the type of error made by a slip of the pen. The misspelling of a name by an author rather than a printer's error. May be important in nomenclature.

laptail = in commercial preparations, the portion of the fish flesh near the tail that has been folded over. Ranges from slight (no more than 10% of the length of the fish near the tail folded in), though moderate, to high (up to 50%).

large = 1) a grade of dried and salted cod (Newfoundland). Large fish are dry, sound, smooth, well salted and over 18 inches while extra large are from 21 to 24 inches long.

large = 2) a size of commercial fish, e.g. cod, salmon.

large marine ecosystem = a region of the ocean comprising coastal areas and estuaries to the seaward boundary of continental shelves and seaward margins of coastal current systems. Can be 200,00 km² or more. Such a region is characterised by its environmental conditions, by productivity and by trophically linked populations.

large pit organ = free or superficial neuromast (sense organs found in the epidermis. See also canal neuromasts, and small pit organs).

large-meshed = pertaining to a fishing net having big meshes.

large-scale fishery = a fishery having significant socio-economic import.

larin = a silver fish hook used as money in southern Iran.

Larsen midwater trawl = a wingless, midwater trawl with a square mouth towed between two boats. Also called atom trawl, Larsen trawl, floating trawl, Larsen two boat trawl, two boat pelagic trawl.

Larsen trawl = Larsen midwater trawl.

Larsen two boat trawl = Larsen midwater trawl.

larva (plural larvae) = a developmental stage well differentiated from the juvenile and intervening between the times of hatching and of transformation (Hubbs, 1943). Young after hatching are markedly different from the adult. Divisible into prolarva and postlarva, e.g. leptocephalus larva of eels; ammocoete larva of lampreys; krohnius larva of Macrouridae.

larvae = plural of larva.

larval period = the time from the beginning of exogenous nutrition (feeding externally) until the formation or ossification of the axial skeleton and until the undifferentiated median fin fold is differentiated or no longer apparent. Some embryonic organs persist and special larval organs develop which are later replaced by different organs of the same function or disappear when their function is no longer needed. This period is absent in some fishes, e.g. Salmonidae and extremely long in others, e.g. 1-3 years in Anguilliformes. This period has two phases:- protopterygial from the transition to exogenous feeding and the beginning of differentiation of the embryonic median fin fold (appearance of lepidotrichia buds and dorsal and anal fin outlines), and pterygiolarval from the beginning of the differentiation of the median fin fold until it is entirely differentiated or no longer apparent. An alevin phase is found in species that have no larval period and lasts until complete scalation or ossified spines, e.g. in Salmonidae, equivalent to the elver phase in Anguillidae, the metamorphic phase in Elopidae, the tholichthys phase in Chaetodontidae, the acronurus phase in Acanthuridae and the exterilium phase in Brotulidae.

larval stage = larval period.

larvicidal fish = fish that eat larvae, e.g. Gambusia spp. that eat the larvae of malarial mosquitoes.

larviparous = bearing fish larvae rather than eggs, e.g. Sebastes (Scorpaenidae).

larvivore = a larva eater; paedophage.

larvivorous = larvae eating; paedophagous, e.g. Cynolebias, Notobranchius and Poecilia reticulata (Cyprinodontidae) consume mosquito larvae.

larvophile = mouth-brooding Cichlidae that lay their eggs on the substrate, the female picking up the fry when they hatch and keeping them in her mouth, e.g. in Geophagus and Sarotherodon.

lash = lask.

lask = a slice cut off the tail of a mackerel used as bait in pollack or mackerel fishing (Cornish dialect).

lasking = keeping near shore, a fisherman's term (Cornish dialect).

last = 1) an old Saxon weight of 2 tons used for various items including fish; the Great Yarmouth last counted 13,200 herrings.

last = 2) a round stick used to form the mesh in making nets.

last = 3) a wire frame or pattern used in knitting or making a cast net.

last = 4) a hundred fish, with several extra added in to allow for broken or damaged fish.

last spring = a salmon fry.

last vertical blood vessel = the most posterior blood vessel extending from the dorsal aorta to the nephros and used as a reference point in anguilliform larval descriptions.

lastridge = the line along which the top and bottom parts of a trawl are locked together. Also called lace hoods.

lat. = abbreviation for latus, meaning wide or broad.

late embryo = a stage prior to hatching where the embryo has developed external characteristics of the hatching stage.

late run = a spawning run late in the season for that particular species.

late spawning = pertaining to a fish which spawns later than usual for a given species.

latent capacity = fishing capacity that is not currently deployed in a fishery.

latent species = a species of fish that has the potential to support a directed fishery.

later synonym = junior synonym (the junior synonym is that with the later publication date of two or more different names applied to one and the same taxon).

laterad = toward the side.

lateral = relating to the side.

lateral band = a longitudinal band of pigment along the side (see also bar and stripe).

lateral canal = the horizontal part of the cephalic lateral line system behind the eye.

lateral commissure = a flange of bone on the lateral surface of the otocciptal region folding over the jugular vein, e.g. in Sarcopterygii.

lateral cusp = a cusp arising on the side of the main cusp of a tooth.

lateral display = when fish display the body side to another fish. May involve various body movements such as quivering, body and tail slapping, and spreading fins. This may be courtship or a threat display. The other fish may fold its fins in submission or extend them to accept the challenge.

lateral ethmoid = parethmoid (a paired deep bone of perichondral origin lying in the front of the orbit under the prefrontal. Also called pleurethmoid, prefrontal, exethmoid and, incorrectly ectethmoid, as this latter is only in birds).

lateral field = the dorsal and ventral parts of a fish scale (when in place) viewed from the side of the body. Usually wedge-shaped.

lateral gular = a paired dermal bone of the basal throat region in, e.g. Latimeria.

lateral head vein = a vein beside the endocranium receiving four principal branches from the head, namely the anterior cerebral vein (draining blood from the rostrum and the eye), two median cerebral veins (draining blood from the braincase), and the posterior cerebral vein (draining blood from the posterior braincase (sometimes into the anterior cardinal vein)).

lateral labial teeth = teeth between the lateral teeth and the marginal membrane in lampreys (Petromyzontiformes).

lateral line = a tube-like sensory organ (usually bearing pores) extending along the side of the body from the rear of the head to the tail. Detects water movements, low frequency vibrations (lower than 160-200 Hz) and perhaps temperature changes. In some fishes the sensory organs are uncovered (without a tube or pores). The sensory organs in the canal consist of a group of cells with sensory cilia projecting into the canal. A cupula of a gel-like substance caps the hair-like cilia. Water movements in the lateral line canal moves the cupula and stimulates the hair cells. The lateral line is innervated by the vagus or Xth cranial nerve. The similar sensory system on the head, often called the cephalic sensory canals, is differently innervated. Lateral lines may be single, multiple, complete (extend to the base of the caudal fin) or incomplete, have accessory branches, be decurved, recurved, arched. etc.

lateral line disease = hole-in-head disease (head and lateral line erosion (a nutritional deficiency seen in aquarium fish, usually of vitamin C, aggravated by stress and poor water quality. Holes develop in the head and and sometimes along the lateral line. Death may result. Also called head and lateral line erosion).

lateral line organ = one of the series of horseshoe-shaped structures left on the flank of Myctophidae members when the scales become detached. A lateral line organ count is often used in place of a scale count because scales are very deciduous in this family.

lateral line pore = one of the series of the apertures of the lateral line canal. Usually counted from the most posterior one touching the shoulder girdle to the one wholly or mostly in front of the base of the caudal fin. Found in all fishes (except Amphioxi and perhaps some species secondarily lacking them), in amphibian larvae and adult aquatic amphibians.

lateral line scale = on of those scales along the side of the body bearing lateral line pores (or pit organs) or in the same row as those. The count may include only the pored scales (usual method) or all scales in the same row.

lateral margin = dorsal and ventral scale edges.

lateral midline = the region of the horizontal septum between the epaxial and hypaxial muscle masses.

lateral patch = a prominent collection of irdiophores on the dorsolateral yolk sac on each side of the developing swimbladder.

lateral radius = a radius on the lateral field of a fish scale.

lateral ridge = a ridge on the anterior preopercle which may bear characteristic spines in larval fishes.

lateral septum = a thin partition of tough, fibrous tissue extending laterally from the spinal cord. It divides the body into dorsal (epaxial) and ventral (hypaxial) halves.

lateral series scales = a count of scales along the flank when the lateral line is absent or incompletely pored.

lateral stripe = the row of melanophores along the horizontal myoseptum.

lateral teeth = the teeth found immediately to each side of the oesophagus of a lamprey (Petromyzontiformes).

lateral threat display = see lateral display.

lateralis system = the lateral line and cephalic lateral line systems, q.v. Lateralis may refer just to the canal on the flank.

laterocaudal = positioned or directed to the side and rear.

laterohyal = an element which is dorsolaterally attached to the epihyal, lateral to the nerves and veins of the head and which articulates with the lateral commissure and the otic capsule.

lateroparietal = a skull where the parietals are separated by the supraoccipital bone (as opposed to medioparietal, q.v.).

laterotrichia = plural of laterotrichium.

laterotrichium (plural laterotrichia) = a small unpaired bone rod above the first pelvic ray in some lower teleosts, e.g. Salmonidae, Osmeridae, Esocidae, Cyprinidae, Cobitidae, Balitoridae and Siluridae. Probably derived from a reduced fin ray (dermatotrichia).

lath = a poacher's device consisting of small board of light wood weighted with lead to make it float on end. Four of five hooks are attached on lengths of line below the lead. The board is floated across likely fish pools and shallows. The lath, being strung like a kite, works upstream as the line is pulled and can be worked from shore or a boat.

latinize = to give Latin form letters and termination to a word of another language or an arbitrary combination of letters.

latinucleate scale = a replacement scale (a scale which has formed in the place of a lost scale. The centre portion of a replacement scale is equal in size to the one lost but lacks ridges and radii. Not useable for aging purposes. Also called regenerated scale).

Laurec-Shepherd = a stock assessment method in fisheries based on virtual population analysis, q.v., and ad hoc tuning of abundance indices and using an age-structured population model.

law = a mound of earth and shingle on the bank of a river on to which salmon nets are drawn to be emptied (Scottish dialect).

Law of Fishing = fisheries that are unlimited become unprofitable.

Law of Homonymy = see Homonymy, Law of.

Law of Parsimony = Occam's razor (other things being equal, the simpler hypothesis is chosen).

Law of Priority = see Priority, Law of.

Law of the Minimum = the growth of a population is limited by the resource in shortest supply. Also known as Liebig's Law.

lax = a salmon (Scottish and English dialect).

lax fisher = a salmon fisher (Scottish and English dialect).

lay = 1) to deposit eggs, as a fish.

lay = 2) to set a fishing net.

lay = 3) the agreement between owner and crew on the allotment of the profit of a fishing trip (Newfoundland).

lay line = a line with float and bait for catching pike. Usually left in the water all night, one end being fastened to a tree on the bank.

lay one's hairs in the water = to contrive to do something; taken from the practice of catching minnows or small trout with a horse-hair noose (Scottish dialect).

lay out = 1) putting a net into the water for fishing.

lay out = 2) a net having completely encircled a school of fish.

laydown = a tree that has fallen into the water. Also called falldown.

layer packed = a method of packing fish where the layers of product are separated by a flexible film for easy separation.

laying = the act or time of depositing eggs.

laying out = paying out a line or net. Also called paying away and setting.

laying period = spawning period.

laying room = an area where cod are spread out to dry in Newfoundland.

laying-room = laying room.

layout line = trot line (a longline used in lakes and streams with hooks at regular intervals).

Lazarus taxon = strictly, a taxon belonging to a species that vanished from the fossil record many years ago but the term is generally applied to a taxon whose close relatives were thought to be long extinct, e.g. the coelacanth. Named for the biblical Lazarus who was raised from the dead.

lazy = a forked stick used as a fishing rod rest (British dialect).

lazy deckie = a rope to haul the cod end to a ship's side.

lazy deckie leg = hauling leg (a wire rope extension of the halving becket joined to the lazy deckie (both q.v.). Also called bag becket leg, codend gag and gagline).

lazyline = lazy deckie.

lb = abbreviation for avoirdupois pound (0.454 kg).

lb tr = abbreviation for troy pound (0.373 kg).

LD₅₀ (lethal dose–50) = the dose of a toxicant that is fatal to 50 percent of the fish tested over a specified time.

LDA = prefix for a numbering system for Loricariid catfishes used by the aquarium magazine "Das Aquarium". See L-number above for explanation.

lead = 1) a channel of water, especially one through ice.

lead = 2) in angling, the line between a cannonball (q.v.) and a lure.

lead = 3) a length of netting used to guide a fish into a net such as a gill net.

lead = 4) a lead weight used to sink a fishing line or a net.

lead bomb = a tear-drop shaped weight with a swivel at the narrow end. Used in ledgering, q.v., and available in various sizes.

lead core = fishing line having lead within the braid causing it to stay on the bottom.

lead fly = the primary fly on the end of a fishing line.

lead line = 1) the line at the bottom of a net with a series of lead weights used to keep the net low in the water or on the bottom and to maintain the net's shape.

lead line = 2) a weighted line used in determining water depth. Also gives an idea of the type of bottom by having a hollow end which captures a sample of mud, sand, shell, etc.

lead line = 3) groundrope (the rope forming the front edge of a trawl or demersal seine in contact with the sea bed. Often weighted with a chain and, on rough ground, protected by iron or rubber rollers, cookies, q.v., or bobbins, q.v.).

lead poisoning = toxic lead levels in the body; found in some fish from consumption of lead weights or sinkers.

lead rope = a rope at the bottom of net to which lead sinkers are attached.

lead stone = the weight used for sinking a fishing line.

leader = 1) a short line with a hook, off the main line in trolling.

leader = 2) the net or other structures set as a barrier to movement and as a means of directing fish into a trap.

leader = 3) wire or strong monofilament line between the hook and main line as a protection against teeth or rough substrates, or weaker line to ensure that a large fish does not break off a long length of line which can entangle and kill it. Also the line with its fly attached to the heavier main line in fly fishing.

leader backer = a length of rope securing the leader of a cod trap to the shore.

leader buoy = a float on a leader (2).

leader foot = the bottom or lower part of a leader (2).

leader head = a length of rope forming the top part of a leader (2).

leader linnet = a length of netting forming the leader (2) of a cod trap.

leader net = a length of net stretching from the shore to a cod trap to guide fish into the entrance. Also called leading net.

leadhead jig = a lure with lead at the anterior end of a long hook. The hook may be bare for live or plastic moulded bait or have feathers, fur or plastic additions.

leading = keeping the rod tip and strike indicator downstream of a drifting nymph.

leading edge = the front of structure, e.g. the forward edge of a fin. Opposite of trailing edge.

leading net = leader (2) the net or other structures set as a barrier to movement and as a means of directing fish into a trap).

leads = the lead weights on the bottom of net, meant to keep the net on the bottom or the lower edge at depth relative to the upper edge. Also called weights or sinkers.

leaf = 1) a grade of isinglass (the glutinous or gelatin-like fluid prepared from the collagen of the outer layer of gas bladders of sturgeons or other fishes. Used in clarifying wines and beers, for jams and jellies, in printing inks and as an adhesive cement).

leaf = 2) an oblong section of a net which is joined to other sections of netting.

leaf-like appendage = oral fimbria (one of a series of small tag-like appendages around the perimeter of the oral disc of lampreys (Petromyzontiformes), presumed to help create an effective seal when the lamprey is attached to its host and also probably sensory. Also called fringed processes, epithelial fringe, fringed lappets, leathery appendices and leathery appendages).

league = a distance measure varying from 2.4 to 4.6 miles, seldom used today; usually taken as 3 statute miles or 4.8 km.

lean = 1) spent fish.

lean = 2) live fish with a flesh fat content less than 2%, either white fish or fatty fish with a seasonally low content.

lean body mass = in aquaculture the body weight of a fish less the weight of fat.

leap = 1) a collective noun (a noun that denotes a collection of persons or things regarded as a unit) for salmon.

leap = 2) a deep and large wicker basket used in catching eels and other fish (United Kingdom).

leash = 1) a collective noun (a noun that denotes a collection of persons or things regarded as a unit) for trout.

leash = 2) a collective noun for three fish.

leather = of fish, the treated skin used in garments, shoes, handbags, belts, jewelry, briefcases, wallets and novelty items.

leathery appendage = oral fimbria (one of a series of small tag-like appendages around the perimeter of the oral disc of lampreys (Petromyzontiformes), presumed to help create an effective seal when the lamprey is attached to its host and also probably sensory. Also called fringed processes, leaf-like processes, epithelial fringe, fringed lappets and leathery appendices).

leathery appendix = oral fimbria (one of a series of small tag-like appendages around the perimeter of the oral disc of lampreys (Petromyzontiformes), presumed to help create an effective seal when the lamprey is attached to its host and also probably sensory. Also called fringed processes, leaf-like processes, epithelial fringe, fringed lappets and leathery appendages).

leaving pattern = the method by which a fish leaves one area and migrates to another.

lecithotrophy = nutrients supplied through yolk via vitellogenesis in endogenous feeding, q.v.

lecithotrophic = said of larva that develop from a relatively large yolky egg.

lecithotrophic live bearer = facultative and obligate lecitrophic live bearers (both q.v.) are two reproductive guilds (q.v.).

lectoparatype = paralectotype (any one of the original syntypes remaining after the selection of a lectotype). Paralectotype is preferred.

lectotype = one of several syntypes (q.v.) designated after the publication of a species-group name, as the type-specimen of the taxon bearing that name. Designated only where there was no original holotype.

ledge = an underwater feature, rocks forming an area of shoal water which cod and bait fish frequent.

ledger bead = a small plastic bead, with a side eye, sliding on the main fishing line. The ledger weight is attached to the eye.

ledger stop = a small plastic sleeve used to stop a sliding ledger weight at the distance required from the hook. It is held in place by a removable plastic peg.

ledger float = a float used in angling that automatically sets itself to the correct depth. It has a two point friction device at the float bottom where the line passes through. When cast out with a slack line the float will rise to the surface, the line can then be tightened until only the desired float tip is showing, and the float will lock as long as the line is tight. Also called self depth adjusting waggler.

ledgering = fishing on the bottom of a river or lake using a lead weight to deliver and place the bait. There are various ledgering rigs. May be spelled legering.

Lee's phenomenon = the common finding that in older fish populations, forms with more narrow annual scale rings or more narrow growth zones (reflecting a slower growth rate in the first year) are more frequent than in younger populations.

leech = 1) a fly tied in imitation of a leech, with dark materials that soak up water.

leech = 2) fish leech, a parasite, q.v.

leech line = quarter rope (handling rope used in side trawling to bring the bosom section of the groundrope to the ship's side).

leeging = a fishing area in the deep sea frequented by haaf boats (q.v.) only (Shetland and Orkney islands dialect).

leep = boiling for a short time in order to keep for later cooking; also said of newly caught salmon not for immediate use.

leester = leister.

leeward = 1) on the side away from the wind.

leeward = 2) the side of something that is sheltered from the wind.

leeward = 3) toward the wind.

leeward = 4) the direction in which the wind is blowing. Used to describe geographical positions where fish are caught or are absent. See also windward.

left bank = the left side of a river when facing downstream.

leg = one of the wires or chains connecting the net to the dan leno, bridle or otter boards in a trawl. Also called spreading wire.

leg. = abbreviation for collector from the Latin lego to gather, collect and legulus, a collector. A person or institution who finds and secures specimens. Abbreviation often occurs on labels and is scientific descriptions of species. See also coll.

legal-sized fish = fish of a size enabling it to be caught without penalty according to fishery laws and regulations.

legally taken = fish caught and retained according to regulations.

legering = ledgering.

leggy = a small cod, gutted, headed, salted and dried without being split used for for home consumption (Newfoundland).

legitimate = in taxonomy, use of a name in accordance with the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.

legitimate name = see valid name.

leister = 1) a pronged and barbed fish spear, appearing in various cultures world-wide. In England, used for striking salmon by torchlight and now an illegal weapon. See also sun-leistering.

leister = 2) to spear fish.

leister-grained = of the barbel, Barbus barbus, heavily marked by a leister (obsolete term).

leister-shaft = the wooden part to which the head of the leister is fastened.

leit = a piece of horsehair used on a fishing line (Clydesdale dialect).

lek = a group of males with small and closely-packed territories where they display to attract females. The females select a male, spawn and leave.

lengie = a long slice of halibut cut either from the back or the belly of the fish (Shetland and Orkney Isles dialect).

length at first maturity = length at which 50% of the individuals of a given sex are considered to be reproductively mature. Usually based on females and estimated by fitting a logistic curve to the relationships between proportion mature and length. Abbreviated as L₅₀. Also called length at sexual maturity.

length at first spawning = length at which 50% of the population spawn for the first time.

length at recruitment = the length at which fish are recruited to a fishable stock.

length at sexual maturity = length at first maturity.

length of = see ..... length.

length of shoreline = length of the contour of the shoreline.

length overall = a measure of the size of a fishing vessel.

length-frequency distribution = the number of individuals encountered in each length interval.

length-weight relationship = mathematical formula for the weight of a fish in terms of its length. When only one is known, the formula can be used to determine the other.

lens = a usually spherical body of the eyeball suspended by suspensory ligaments and used to focus images on the retina. Fish lenses have been used as age indicators in fishes.

lentic = referring to standing (or slow moving) waters in swamp, pond, or lake, as opposed to lotic or running waters.

lentiform body = a countercurrent system of afferent capillaries interspaced with irregular efferent sinusoids concerned with the elevation of oxygen tensions in the eyes of some teleosts, e.g. Fundulus grandis.

lepidologist = one who studies scales.

lepidology = the study of scales.

lepidomoria = plural of lepidomorium.

lepidomorium (plural lepidomoria) = a scale or tooth comprising a thin-walled cone of dentine covered by a layer of enamel and having a bony base. The pulp cavity has a single capillary loop and there is a basal canal and a posterior opening in the neck region (neck canal). Simple scales with this basic structure have been found in Carboniferous sharks. This originally hypothesised structure attempts to explain the origin of denticles or placoid scales of modern sharks and even the scales of Teleostomi as well as teeth.

lepidont = bearing lepidotes.

lepidophagy = scale-eating, several unrelated taxa are known to specialise in eating scales from other fishes using various methods, e.g. Terapon jarbua removes scales from Mugil cephalus. Scales and associated mucus and skin are not usually the exclusive diet of these species.

lepidomorium = the basic unit of squamation and dentition. Scales and teeth both form at the level of the basement membrane at the mesoderm - ectoderm boundary. In scale formation, the epidermal (ectoderm) cells form the base, which is invaded by mesenchyme recruited from the dermis.

lepidophage = lepidophore.

lepidophore = a scale-eating fish, specialised to tear off the scales of other fishes, e.g. the Lake Tanganyika cichlid Perissodus microlepis.

lepidorthosis = erection of scales as caused by disease or parasites.

lepidote = a minute tooth-like structure along circuli of scales in Poeciliidae.

lepidotrich = lepidotrichium.

lepidotrichia = plural of lepidotrichium.

lepidotrichium (plural lepidotrichia) = a definitive fin ray (including spines), usually dermal bones found in Teleostomi. Each lepidotrich is formed of two hemitrichs closely joined along their length except basally where they diverge to articulate with the pterygiophores. See also actinotrichia, ceratotrichia. Lepidotrichia are thought to have evolved from scales. The pelvic and hypochordal fin membranes of Acanthodii bear rows of scales which correspond to the primitive condition of lepidotrichia. Lepidotrichia form like actinotrichia but become surrounded by bony tissue, develop segments and sometimes branch.

leptocephalus = the transparent ribbon- or leaf-like larvae with large teeth and a far-back anus in certain primitive Teleostomi, e.g. Congridae, Anguillidae, Albulidae, Elopidae and Notacanthidae. The larvae first grow, then shrink prior to metamorphosis.

leptocercal = a tail of attenuate or whip-like form (leaf tail), e.g. in Macrouridae.

leptoid scale = cycloid and ctenoid scales, q.v.

lernaeiasis = anchor worm infestation (Lernaea sp.). The fish exhibits a poor appetite, moves slowly and has inflamed and necrotic tissues at the site of parasite attachment. Wounds may be invaded by Saprolegnia. Young fish can be killed by 4-5 parasites.

Lessepsian migration = movement (not migration) of organisms from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal.

lester cock = 1) a toy boat sent out before the wind by fishermen in rough weather with a string of hooks (Cornish dialect).

lester cock = 2) a floating contrivance with a small sail to carry a boulter (q.v.) seawards in fishing; presumably the same or similar to (1) (Cornish dialect).

lethal dose = the amount of a substance required to kill a given portion of a sample of test fish in a given amount of time, e.g. 24 hours LD₅₀ is a 50% mortality in a day.

lethal time = the time over which an administered chemical will result in the death of half the fish for a given dose. Abbreviated as LT₅₀.

lethal unit = the estimated minimum dose needed to kill 100% of test fish in a given time period.

leucism = a whitish colouration but with normal eyes found in nature and bred in aquarium fishes such as the white molly (Poecilia latipinna).

leucistic = having leucism.

leucocyte = white blood cells that fight infection. Includes granulocytes (with granules) and lymphocytes, monocytes ad thrombocytes.

leucophore = a yellow pigment bearing cell. Also called guanophore or iridocyte.

levator arcus palatini = a muscle originating on the parasphenoid bone and inserting on the medial surface of the pterygoid. It functions to expand the buccal cavity laterally.

levator hyoideus = a muscle originating from the anteriormost part of the dermosphenotic bone and inserting in a fan shape on the upper lateral surface of the hyomandiula.

levator operculi = a muscle just posterior to the dilator operculi originating from the dermal pterotic bone and inserting to the dorsal medial surface of the operculum. It functions to rotate the operculum dorsally and caudally. This rotation is translated to other elements in the opercular series and then to the mandible by the interopercular-mandibular ligament. The caudal pull on the ligament depresses the mandible and opens the jaws.

levée = an embankment constructed to prevent a river from overflowing, or to contain a farm pond, or a natural embankment formed by sediment deposit during flooding. Also spelled levee. Chevies park here when dry.

levee = levée.

level of exploitation = the amount of catch or the level of fishing mortality; sometimes used without any precise quantity in mind.

level line = an untapered, floating fly line, difficult to cast and not much used.

lever drag = a smooth, lever drag on large ocean-fishing reels.

lever net = a net on a frame operated from shore or from a raft in a dipping motion.

lexicographer = a writer of dictionaries; a harmless drudge (after Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language, 1755), but also an excellent way to learn more about a specialised topic such as ichthyology.

Leydig's gland = the anterior glandular portion of the male mesonephros (kidney) in Elasmobranchii. Its secretions are thought to preserve the vitality of the spermatozoa.

Leydig's organ = a tissue around the oesophagus of Elasmobranchii apparently associated with immune function.

liberalised fishing = taking of fish throughout the year without size or number restraints.

liberty-fish = a taboo name (q.v.) for salmon in the the burghs of Arbroath and Montrose in Scotland having the privilege of salmon fishing within their own liberties or bounds.

lice (singular louse) = fish lice (parasitic crustaceans on marine and freshwater fishes).

licence = a licence is a document giving the holder the right to operate in a fishery according to the terms established by the regulating authority. Also called a permit.

licence limitation = legally restricting the number of commercial fishermen licensed to fish. Often a management agency uses this as a means of limited entry.

license = to issue a licence. License is the verb, licence the noun in English; American English uses license for both.

licensing = restriction of the right to fish to those persons or vessels issued with licences for the purpose.

lie = 1) areas in a water body where fish concentrate, because of shelter, food, reduced current, protection from predators, etc.

lie = 2) of a fish, to rest with little or no movement.

lie-in-wait predation = the feeding method where the predator waits for the food item to come within capture range.

Liebig's Law = Law of the Minimum.

life assemblage = biocenose (the balanced association of animals and plants in a biotope, a natural assemblage; strictly the animal and plant associations excluding the physical aspects of the environment and so not the same as ecosystem. Also spelled biocoenose. Also called biocoenosis).

life cycle = successive series of changes which an organism passes through during its development.

life history = a description of the entire life cycle of a species, including reproduction, growth, food, movements and death.

life table = a statistical summary of a fish population showing survival, reproduction, etc., listed by age classes.

lifespan = the maximum expected age, on average, for a species, cohort, stock, or a population in the absence of fishing. Smaller than maximum age although may be used in this sense. Abbreviated as Tmax in stock assessment models.

lift = 1) fish lift (fish ladder; a series of steps with flowing water enabling a fish to circumvent an obstruction such as a dam by leaping from step to step. Also called fish way).

lift = 2) to bite or rise to the bait.

lift hand net = portable lift-net (a small lift-net, q.v., operated by hand, with no fixed installation).

lift-net = 1) a net of various size and form laid on the water bottom or suspended, sometimes baited or lighted, and lifted out of the water when fish swim over it. Some are hand-operated, others suspended from as many as four boats or from cantilever structures on a bank or boat. See also basnig, two-boat lift net, three-boat lift net, four-boat lift net.

lift-net = 2) a net shaped as a cone, pyramid or parallelepiped used to remove fishes from a ship or from a larger net. May be lifted by hand or mechanically, on ship or on shore.

lift-netter = a vessel equipped so as to operate large lift-nets which are held from the ship’s side and raised and lowered by means of outriggers. Sets of powerful lights, above and below the water, are sometimes installed for attracting fish.

lift-tube = a means of moving water in aquarium filters. Large bubbles are released in a tube about 1 inch wide. As the bubbles move upwards, they pull the water in the tube up as well.

lifting line = a line on a purse seine used to lift a group of floats.

lifting strap = rope or wire encircling the cod end through loops or rings to close off the rear section and facilitate its loading aboard.

lig = a fish hook with lead cast around its upper part in order to sink it rapidly (Maine).

ligamentum Baudeloti = Baudelot's ligament (a ligament connecting the upper end of the pectoral girdle with the first vertebra or the posterior end of the cranium).

ligamentum cruciforme = a flat x-shaped tendon located above the ascending process of the premaxillaries in Cichlidae. The anterior arms of the x or cross are fully tensed only when the upper jaw is protruded, otherwise they are folded between the maxilla and the premaxilla. Anteriorly they insert onto the distal maxilla and posteriorly onto the posterior palatine.

ligastyle = a basal element of the pterygiophore involved in the gonopodium of Poeciliidae.

liggar = ligger (2 and 3).

ligger = 1) a floating line with bait used for catching pike and generally wound round a bundle of reeds. A night fishing method (Norfolk dialect).

ligger = 2) a foul salmon (Scottish dialect).

ligger = 3) a newly spawned salmon (Scottish dialect).

liggerman = a pike fisherman, using a ligger (1) (Norfolk dialect).

light cure = 1) fish such as cod and other white fishes cured with small amounts of salt (16-20 parts per 100 fish, fish contains 20-30% salt on a dry basis) or left in salt for short periods (3-5 days).

light cure = 2) the process or product of light smoking.

light fishing = any fishing method that involves light as an attractant.

light meat = 1) a commercial measure of fish flesh colour, e.g. canned tuna is light meat or light tuna when it has a a diffused luminous reflectance of not less than 22.6% of that of magnesium oxide when measured by a prescribed method. Equivalent to 5.3 Munsell units. See also light meat and dark meat.

light meat = 2) light muscle.

light muscle = lean muscle that is whitish in most demersal fishes and lighter in colour in fatty fishes than the dark muscle that contains fat.

light organ = structures producing light by a chemical reaction or by means of light-producing bacteria, e.g. in the Myctophidae.

light salted = cured fish with only small amounts of salt used, fish have 20-30% salt on a dry basis. Also called light cure or slack salted.

light smoked = mild smoked (fish smoke-cured for a short period to give a slightly smoky flavour; has limited keeping quality).

light-fished = a vessel with a small catch (Newfoundland).

like a fish out of water = completely unfamiliar with a situation causing discomfort.

like herrings in a barrel = very crowded (slang).

Likert question = a statement posed in an angler survey where the angler indicates agreement or disagreement along a five or more point scale.

Lilian Gish = fish (Cockney rhyming slang).

lime fishing = catching fish by throwing lime onto the water surface or dragging sacks of lime through a water body or spreading it on mud in drained ponds. As the lime slakes, it burns the fish's gills and they rise to the surface.

lime nitrogen = calcium cyanamide (CaCN₃, used in aquaculture as a pond disinfectant, especially for Myxosoma cerebralis, the cause of whirling disease).

limewood = a wood material used for making air diffusers in aquaria. This wood is very porous and so acts well as an airstone. Limewood (Tilia sp.) comes from the English name for these trees (also called linden and basswood).

Limerick hook = a hook with a half-round parabolic bend with a straight point.

limicolous = living in mud.

liming = addition of calcium carbonate to a water body to reduce its acidity and help preserve fish stocks.

limit = the maximum legal amount of fish that can be caught when angling; may be weight or numbers.

limit capacity = the maximum amount of fish that can be produced on a sustainable basis by a fully-utilized fleet; corresponds to the maximum sustainable yield.

limit reference point = indicates the limit beyond which the state of a fishery and/or a resource is not considered desirable. Fishery development should be stopped before reaching it. Abbreviated as LRP.

limited access = limited entry. Sometimes used to include all controlled access to use of a natural resource, including full ownership.

limited entry fishery = a fishery where the number of operators or gear is restricted to control the amount of fishing effort; frequently involves controls on the number and size of vessels, and condition relating to the transfer of fishing rights or the replacement of vessels.

limited fishing zone = an area where only certain types of fishing or of fishing equipment are allowed.

limited licensing = a certain number or type of licences issued for a fishery.

limiting factor = any need such as food, habitat or spawning gravel that is in shortest supply with respect to all resources necessary to sustain life and thus limits the size or retards production of a fish population.

limiting nutrient = an essential nutrient in an aquaculture feed at low concentration, resulting in a deficiency.

limn- (prefix) = lake.

limnetic = living in or pertaining to marshes or lakes; the zone of deep water between surface and compensation depth.

limnicoid = inhabiting lakes.

limnicole = an inhabitant of lakes.

limnicolous = living in lakes.

limnion = fresh water including all water bodies.

limnivorous = mud-eating.

limnobiology = the study of organisms living in standing waters.

limnobiont = a freshwater organism.

limnobios = the total life of fresh waters.

limnocrene = a large spring pool, with or without an outlet.

limnodromous = migrating within a lake, e.g. Perca fluviatilis.

limnology = the study of lakes, ponds and standing waters and their biotas.

limnophilous = thriving in standing waters.

limnophobia = a fear of lakes.

limpet = to chew limpets and eject them from the mouth upon the water in order to attract fish to the boat (Shetland and Orkneys dialect).

lin-her = lin-keeper.

lin-keeper = a large freshwater trout which remains in one particular pool (Scottish dialect). Also spelled lin-her or lin-lyar.

lin-lyar = lin-keeper.

Lindsey's rule = the generalization that among fish and amphibian faunas the proportion of species with large adult size tends to increase from the equator towards the poles.

line = 1) a thin mark of any orientation, used in colour descriptions of fishes.

line = 2) a line made of twisted hair, silk, nylon or other material used in angling. The line carries the lure or bait at its end and presents it to the fish. Lines may be operated by hand, cast form a rod using a reel or trailed behind a boat. Lines are classified by their strength, weight, material, length and construction.

line = 3) a pre-metric measurement appearing in some older ichthyological works, 12 lines making one inch.

line = 4) to fish with a line.

line belly = the large section of a weight-forward (q.v.) fly line.

line bite = an apparent bite on a fishing rig caused by a fish blundering into the line. Also called liner.

line breeding = the selective breeding of a strain of fish.

line clip = a small plastic clip placed on a fishing rod handle with a piece of plastic enabling the line to be wedged beneath it. If a fish bites, the line is pulled from beneath it.

line dressing = silk fly lines needed to be oiled to clean them and increase buoyancy. Modern lines are cleaned with warm water and soap.

line fish = fish caught with a line.

line fishing = fishing methods that employ fishing lines in one form or another including handlines, pole-and-line, droplines, longlines, trotlines and troll lines.

line gear = hand-lines and trawl lines.

line guide = the rings on a fishing rod through which the line passes.

line hand = the hand used to handle the fly line when casting; as opposed to the rod hand.

line memory = when a fly line, leader or tippet retains its shape, whether spooled, coiled bent or tied.

line of water = a unit for measuring depth of water, the length of a trawl-line (Newfoundland).

line precedence = when two different names for the same taxon are first published in the same publication, then the one which appears on the earlier line has line precedence. Line precedence does not necessarily mean priority as well, this is determined by the action of the first reviser.

line scoll = a box for holding fishing lines.

line speed = the speed a fly line attains when cast.

line standards = fishing line is made to various standards including breaking strain, limpness, shock, abrasion resistance, diameter and elasticity.

line trawl = longline.

line weight = the weight of the first 30 feet of a fly line, used as a way to compare fly lines when matching them to fly rods of different stiffness.

line-maker = an artisan engaged in the making of fishing lines.

linea lateralis (plural lineæ laterales) = lateral line.

lineæ laterales = plural of linea lateralis.

linear reef = a coral formation parallel to the shore or shelf edge.

linear scale = a scale whose exposed portion is higher than wide.

lineage = any continuous line of descent; any series of organisms connected by reproduction by parent of offspring.

linear reef = a coral formation that is oriented parallel to the shore or the shelf edge.

liner = 1) a fishing vessel that uses lines and hooks, with or without a bait, e.g. handliner, longliner, pole-and-line vessel.

liner = 2) line bite.

lingual = pertaining to the tongue; or looking out from inside the mouth (opposite of labial).

lingual lamina = a cusp found on the tongue of lampreys (Petromyzontidae). These laminae consist of an anterior or transverse lamina and posterior or longitudinal lamina.

lingual plate = a dermal toothed bone covering and sometimes fusing with the basihyal, e.g. in Osteoglossidae. Also called glossohyal, dermentoglossum, supralingual or basihyal dental plate.

lingula = small tongue-shaped structure.

Linie = 2.174 mm in Germany; but the Wiener Linie = 2.195 mm in Austria. Both may be used in older taxonomic works.

lining = 1) fishing by means of hand or longline with baited hooks.

lining = 2) the length of hair or fine gut by which the hook was fastened to the fishing line in angling.

linked ponds = a number of diversion ponds in a series with a common outlet.

linklet = a piece of line to which a fishing hook is attached (Northumberland dialect).

linn-keeper = a large trout haunting a particular pool (Scottish dialect).

linn-lier = linn-keeper.

fish Linnaean species = a broad concept of a species often comprising many varieties.

Linnaean tautonymy = the identical spelling of a new generic or subgeneric name established before 1931 and a pre-1758 name cited as a synonym of only one of the species or subspecies originally included in that genus.

linneon = a taxon distinguished morphologically, usually applied to one of the large species described by early naturalists. Named for Carolus Linneaus (or Carl von Linné).

linnet = 1) twine used for knitting or making fish nets (Newfoundland).

linnet = 2) the sections of netting forming the parts of fish nets (Newfoundland).

linnet = 3) the complete fish net, e.g. seine, trap (Nrwfoundland).

linnet = 4) a section of netting used for various purposes on land (Newfoundland).

innet edge = part of a section of netting in a cod trap attached to a line or rope forming the frame of the device (Newfoundland).

linnet pole = a pole from which a fish net is suspended to dry (Newfoundland).

Linpe Method = induction of ovulation in aquaculture by injection of a combination of a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (LHRN-A) and the drug domperidone. The hormone stimulates the sex organs of the fish, while the drug inhibits the action of dopamine, a substance produced by the fish that inhibits ovulation. Named for H. R. Lin and R. E. Peter.

lint = 1) a herring-type drift net.

lint = 2) the inner, smaller mesh, net panel of a trammel net.

lint = 3) netting in the main body of a drift or gill net. Also called body, middle twine, middle yarn, netting, sheet, webbing, yarn.

lip = 1) in angling, the projection on a crankbait that produces a diving action when retrieved.

lip = 2) lifting a fish by its lower jaw; usually bass (Micropterus spp.) which do not have strong jaw teeth.

lip cartilage = cartilaginous supporting elements of the lips in Elasmobranchii.

lip-lock = an aggressive behavior seen when two fish face each other and grab each other's mouth. Lasts for seconds or minutes and is used as a test of strength and willingness to hold position, e.g. in territorial cichlids to assert boundaries, in potential spawning partners to test each other prior to mating. May lead to lip damage or even a dislocated jaw.

lipid hepatic degeneration = a disease of trout where the liver turns yellowish-brown. Overfeeding needs to be avoided and controlled feeding with fresh bovine liver administered. Starvation will also help this disease.

lipless crankbait = an artificial bait made to resemble a swimming fish by its vibrating or wobbling action or even rattling. Lacks a visible diving lip and the line attaches to the top of the lure. Also called swimming bait or lure, or tail spinner.

lipophor = chromatophores containing carotenoids, the erythrophores or xanthophores.

lipostichaerin = a toxic lipoprotein found in the Japanese Stichaeus grigorjewi (Stichaeidae). Probably analogous to lipovitellin in hen egg yolk. Previously called dinogunellin when the species was placed in the genus Dinogunellus.

liquamen = a fish sauce of the ancient world and Middle Ages made from small fish that otherwise would be discarded. Brined fish are allowed to ferment, perhaps with fish blood, spices and herbs. See also garum and muria.

liquid fish = fish silage (liquefied fish waste produced by self-digestion, with the addition of acid, or fermentation and used for animal feed). Also called liquid fish protein.

liquid fish protein = liquid fish.

liquid smoke = a spay or dip formed from a condensate of the components of wood smoke, used to impart a smoky flavour to fish. Also called smoke dip, smoke solution.

liquid smoking = soaking in a solution of water and wood vinegar, drying in shade or air-dried to 45% of water content; a quick smoking method.

listed species = a fish species designated as threatened or endangered, e.g. under the Endangered Species Act in the U.S.A.

lister = leister.

listeriosis = a disease caused by the pathogenic bacterium (Listeria monocytogenes) which is widespread in nature and can rarely infect fish at all stages of the food producing process. Can survive heat, freezing and drying. Causes gastrointestinal upsets, usually mild, except to the usual at risk groups (elderly, young, pregnant, immuno-compromised).

lists = rows on a flake, q.v., formed by loose longers, q.v., that held flake boughs in place and between which fish were laid in the Newfoundland fisheries. Also called panes.

lit up = certain pelagic fishes such as sailfish, marlin and wahoo develop bright powder blue colours when excited or hooked by anglers.

liter = litre.

lithopelagophil = a reproductive guild (q.v.) of rock and gravel spawners with pelagic larvae characterised by an adhesive chorion over the zona radiata at first with some eggs soon buoyant. After hatching free embryos are pelagic by positive buoyancy or active movement. The young are not photophobic and there is a limited respiratory structure. An example of this type is Sander vitreus (Percidae).

lithophil = 1) a reproductive guild (q.v.) of open rock and gravel spawners with benthic larvae characterised by the early hatched embryo being photophobic (hiding under rocks), moderately developed respiratory structures and late appearing pigment, e.g. Rhinichthys cataractae (Cyprinidae).

lithophil = 2) a reproductive guild (q.v.) of hidden rock and gravel spawners where eggs and embryos fall into crevices or are concealed in nests (redds). Eggs have large, dense yolks, extensive capillary networks for exogenous respiration, carotenoids for endogenous respiration, embryos are photophobic, and emerging alevins are large, e.g. Salmo salar.

lithophil = 3) a reproductive guild (q.v.) where the eggs are strongly adhesive, oval or cylindrical, and attached by fibres in clusters from one pole of the egg. The eggs are laid on rocks and tended. Most species have pelagic, free embryos and larvae, e.g. Benthophilus stellatus.

lithophil = 4) a reproductive guild (q.v.) involving nesting, where eggs are in spherical or elliptical envelopes, always adhesive, free embryos are photophobic or with cement glands, embryos swing tail-up in respiratory motions, moderate to well-developed embryonic respiratory structures present, and many young feed first on mucus of the parent, e.g. Lepomis macrochirus.

lithophilic = associated with a stony substrate.

litre = 33.81 fl oz, 0.264 gal. Abbreviated as L.

litres per minute = 0.264 gal/min. Abbreviated as L/min.

litter = those organisms produced at multiple births.

little black fish = "The Little Black Fish" is a book by Iranian writer Samad Behrangi. The fish of the title wants to swim against the current, explore the world and defy tradition. Often taken as an allegory for the modern world. The author died while swimming in a river.

little boat = a boat used by inshore fishermen on the south coast of Newfoundland, 22-28 feet long, used for handlining, longlining and trap fishing for cod. Adapted from the Swampscott dory of Nova Scotia and New England.

littoral = the intertidal zone between high and low tides marks; the shallower shore waters of the continental shelf from 0 to 200 metres depth, a usage no longer recommended. The latter was divided into eulittoral and sublittoral (q.v.). In lakes littoral is applied to the zone from the waters edge to the lakeward limit of rooted aquatic vegetation, ca. 10 metres.

live bait = living items used as bait on a hook or in some other fashion, e.g. worms, fish, eggs, etc.

live bait tank = live bait well.

live bait well = a container where small fish are kept alive as bait. Also called live bait tank.

live bottom = a rocky bottom, often very flat, with attached invertebrates forming an attractive environment for fishes.

live box = a container filled with water and often equipped with accessories such as aeration equipment that is used to hold and transport live fish. Also called live well.

live car = 1) live box.

live car = 2) a vehicle used for transporting live fish.

live fast, die young = an r-selection (q.v.) lifestyle found in some fishes, e.g. in the pygmy goby, Eviota sigillata, on the Great Barrier Reef which lives for only 59 days, the shortest lifespan of any vertebrate. Probably a response to intense predation.

live fish = 1) a fish that is alive, not dead.

live fish = 2) fish that are captured and sold alive to a consumer.

live fish = 3) a fish capable of living outside water for extended periods since it can breathe atmospheric oxygen.

live food = microscopic organisms such as brine shrimps and rotifers used to feed larval fishes in aquaria and in aquaculture facilities.

live release = returning a fish caught in sport quickly to the water in order to preserve stocks.

live rock = 1) primarily calcareous rock with its associated algae, corals, microorganisms and invertebrates used in marine aquaria where it serves as a bacterial filter. See also coral rock.

live rock = 2) a coral-like seaweed or nullipore (Corallina officinalis) (Newfoundland).

live sand = sand from the sea which contains living flora and fauna. Used as a medium or substrate in aquaria and can also be used in the biological start up of a new marine tank.

live storage = the storage of live fish.

live tank = live well.

live weight = the weight of a complete fish.

live well = a hold in a vessel with renewed and circulating sea water for holding fish or bait. Also used on small boats by anglers in both fresh and marine waters when catches need to be kept fresh over long periods for later consumption or live release. Also called live box.

live-bearing = 1) ovoviviparity (production of eggs that are fertilised and hatch inside the mother but the embryos lack a placental connection to the oviduct or uterus and so do not feed off the mother. The young are born as miniature adults, free-swimming and feeding.

live-bearing = 2) viviparity (the condition of giving birth to active, free-swimming young).

live-eels = fields (English slang).

liver = a structure anterior and dorsal to the stomach, covering part of the stomach.

liver bannock = bannocks baked with the liver of fish between them.

liver butt = a container for cod livers and their oil.

liver covel= a container for cod livers and their oil.

liver cup = a dumpling filled with the liver of fish.

liver dounie = liver downie.

liver downie = a dish of potatoes, fish and fresh fish livers mashed together, sometimes with roe added.

liver foals = thick cakes made with oatmeal and fish liver and boiled with the fresh fish.

liver head = the head of a fish stuffed with liver.

liver maund = a container for cod livers and their oil.

liver moggie = a dish consisting of the stomach of a cod filled with the fish's liver.

liver musgie = liver moggie.

liver puncheon = a container for cod livers and their oil.

liver factory = a building or plant with facilities for the processing of cod-liver oil (Newfoundland).

liver flackie = two half-dried, young coalfish filleted and roasted on the hearth with fish-livers spread between them (Scotland).

liver flakkie = liver flackie.

liver moggie = the stomach of a cod stuffed with fish liver and boiled (Shetland Isles dialect). See also livered moggie.

liver muggie = liver moggie.

liver note = a token given to a fisherman for the value of cod livers sold to merchants in Newfoundland.

liver oil = oil extracted from fish livers and used industrially or as a source of vitamins A and D.

liver paste = fish liver ground up with salt, spices and other flavouring ingredients.

liver stain = in commercial preparations of fish, a measure of liver stain is recorded by degree, area of coverage and size of fish.

livered moggie= the liver of a cod boiled in the fish's stomach (Shetland Isles dialect). See also cropping moggie, liver moggie and liver muggie.

livery-downie = liver downie.

livery-foal = a thick cake made with oatmeal and fish liver and boiled with the fresh fish (Orkney Islands dialect).

(the) living fish swims in water = the supposed relationship between Finno-Ugric languages (Finnish and Hungarian for example) where these words form the only mutually comprehensible sentence (according to the Estonian philologist Mall Hellam).

living fossil = an extant species morphologically similar to a fossil; a taxon little changed over long periods, e.g. the coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae.

livyer = a permanent settler in the historical fisheries of Newfoundland or Labrador as opposed to a seasonal, migratory fisherman from England. Usually applied to a year-round settler on the coast of Labrador in contrast to summer fishing crews from Newfoundland (livyer, live here).

lizard =soft, plastic lures similar to a salamander in form used on Carolina rigs (q.v.) in shallow water in spring.

llyn = lake (Welsh).

Lmax or L_max = maximum reported length of a fish in an unexploited population. Sometimes used instead of L_∞ from the von Bertalanffy growth function as growth curves have not been determined for some species.

loach = 1) any small fish.

loach = 2) members of the families Cobitidae, Balitoridae and Nemacheilidae.

loaded float = in angling, a float with a built-in brass or lead weight in its base.

loaded to the gills = someone who has been drinking like a fish, q.v.

loader = 1) a cod with a blunt head, believed to indicate a large catch will follow (Newfoundland). See also seal-head cod.

loader = 2) a herring with specially beautiful tints (East Anglia dialect).

loading = the effect of the weight of a fly fishing line and the momentum of the cast upon the rod. A loaded rod is bent or loaded more with a greater casting force and a heavier line.

loan shark = a person who charges very large amounts of money for lending money to someone. Based on the predatory reputation of the shark. See also cardshark and poolshark.

loaves and fishes = 1) a miracle performed by Jesus when preaching to a crowd of thousands who grew hungry and needed to be fed. Only five loaves and two fishes were available but Jesus blessed the food and then commanded his disciples to distribute it among the people. The food continued to appear undiminished and after everyone had eaten and was satisfied, twelve baskets of food remained.

loaves and fishes = 2) emoluments, profits, temporal benefits (slang based on the above).

lob = a stone tied to a fishing line to keep it fast when thrown from a rock (Cornish dialect).

lobate = with lobes.

lobby = a fish bin on a catcher/processor vessel.

lobe = one of a series of small rounded protrusions along the dorsal and ventral edge of the sagittal otolith.

lobster cocktail = lobster canned with cod, haddock, hake or cusk or a combination of these.

lobulate = bearing small lobes.

lobulus = small lobe.

lobus = lobe.

lobworm = marine worms having a row of tufted gills along each side of the back; often used for fishing bait.

loc. cit. = abbreviation for loco citato.

local depletion = observed when localised catches take more fish than can be replaced locally or through immigration. Occurs independent of the status of the overall stock.

local ecological knowledge = empirical, non-scientific knowledge acquired by local resource users, fishers in the case of fish.

localised = said of a population occupying a small geographical area distinctly separated from other populations of the species.

locality = the geographical position of an individual, population or collection.

location = a geographically or ecologically distinct area in which a single event, e.g. pollution, will soon affect all individuals of the taxon present. A location usually, but not always, contains all or part of a subpopulation of the taxon, and is typically a small proportion of the taxon's total distribution.

locator = depth finder (a sonar device used to determine depth and bottom structure and to locate fish).

locavore = an eater of locally grown or caught produce, including fishes, opposite of distavore, q.v.

loch = lake; an arm of the sea when nearly landlocked (both Scottish).

lock = 1) fish way (fish ladder; a series of steps with flowing water enabling a fish to circumvent an obstruction such as a dam by leaping from step to step).

lock = 2) a section of a canal with large doors at each end, allowing boats and ships to be moved from one level to another along the waterway by raising and lowering the water level within the lock.

lock shot = in angling, split shot (q.v.) used to fasten a float in place on the line and add casting weight.

locker = a wooden receptacle where cod are washed and salted after being headed, gutted and split in Newfoundland.

locking mechanism = said of spines that have a mechanism (of varying form) that enables them to be locked erect and thus not easily depressed by a predator.

locks = mild cured sides, often of salmon (various species of Salmonidae), cold cured for 1-3 days. Also called lox.

loco citato = place cited (publication and page), meaning cited above; used to avoid repetition of a reference. Abbreviated as loc. cit.

locotype = topotype (a specimen collected at the type locality but not necessarily part of the type series). Topotype is preferred.

loculi = plural of loculus.

loculus (plural loculi) = one of the minute subquadrate bead-like elements forming the circuli in scales of Anguilliformes. Formerly called platelets.

lodge = 1) an establishment on a lake or river set up to serve anglers, offering accommodations, gear and guides, in North America.

lodge = 2) of fishermen engaged in salmon, or in deep-sea, fishing (Scottish dialect).

loft = an upper room in a fishing premises used for the storage and repair of nets and other gear (Newfoundland).

log = 1) slang for a barracuda.

log = 2) swordfish or dolphin (fish) that have been headed, gutted and tailed with belly flaps trimmed.

log line = a graduated line used to measure vessel speed or current speed from a stationary vessel.

log-load = a full cargo of fish (Newfoundland).

log-loaded = a boat heavily laden with fish (Newfoundland).

logbook = a detailed, usually official, record of a vessel's fishing activity registered systematically on board the fishing vessel, usually including information on catch and its species composition, the corresponding fishing effort and location. Completion of logbooks may be a compulsory requirement for a fishing license.

logger load = log-load.

loging = said of cod moving in a sluggish fashion (Newfoundland). See also logy.

logjam = a group of logs pushed together by wind or water action to form an obstruction. Often provides useful habitat for fishes such as salmonids.

logotype = a type determined from a written description in the absence of an illustration and of a specimen. Regarded as an obsolete term.

logy = 1) fish in poor condition or sluggish.

logy = 2) fish of poor quality (Newfoundland).

loin = 1) thickest part of a fish fillet, e.g. haddock fillets in Maritime Canada restaurants.

loin = 2) one of four strips of light muscle from a tuna, two from each side. Loins can be cut into steaks.

lolly ice = frazil ice in sea water (a form of fine spicular ice. When first formed the particles are colloidal and not visible in the water in which they float).

London cut cure = haddock split and smoked with the backbone on the left side. Prepared in Grimsby for the London market.

long bath = immersion of fish in a chemical solution of low concentration as a treatment for disease or parasites. Used in ponds the chemical is allowed to disperse naturally.

long gut = the stomach and intestine of a fish pulled out and still attached to the head of a nobbed (q.v.) fish, leaving the gonads in the unslit belly.

long hundred = 120 herrings, used in counting the catch.

long on = in angling using a float or bobber, when a length of line is allowed to lie on the bottom, increasing the time it takes for a bite to register on the float or bobber.

long pole = a fishing rod used in match fishing in Europe. Up to 16 m long and composed of 1.0-1.5 m sections.

long seasonal pond = a water body for fish cultivation available for 6-8 months of the year.

long seine = a seine anchored at one end by a stake, set by a power boat running in a circle back to the stake.

long-haul seine = a 350 metre seine set by a boat but hauled by hand.

long-line release = losing a fish before it can be landed.

long-liner = longliner.

long-netting = an old form of fishing in early Medieval England where a net is angled so that the incoming tide would wash over it and then, on its way out, fish would become entrapped.

long-tail account = a fisherman's account with a merchant extending from one fall season to the next (Newfoundland).

long-term potential catch = the largest annual harvest in weight that could be removed from a fish stock year after year, under existing environmental conditions.

long-term potential yield = the largest average harvest that can be taken from a fish stock on a sustainable basis, allowing for variable environmental conditions. Abbreviated as LTPY.

longer = a long tapering pole of spruce with the bark left on used in constructing the roof and floor of stages wharves and flakes, q.v. Also called lunger.

longevity = 1) the age in an unexploited stock at which only 1% of a cohort has survived.

longevity = 2) the age at death of an individual.

longirostrine = the combination of a long, thin rostrum and procumbent teeth seen in crocodiles and others and related to a fish-eating diet.

longitudinal ligament = a ligament in a neural arch canal above the spinal cord in Acipenseridae.

longitudinal scale series = the scale rows running along the body from behind the gills to the base of the caudal fin. The number of longitudinal series is usually counted in the transverse row from the origin of the dorsal fin to (not including) the lateral line and from (not including) the lateral line to the anal fin origin. The number of scales along a longitudinal series may count the number of lateral line scales, the number of scales in the row one above the lateral line or the number of transverse series from the gill opening to the tail base.

longitudinal septum = a sheet of connective tissue separating the muscle masses of the left and right sides; a dorsal septum separates the epaxial, and a ventral septum the hypaxial, muscle masses.

longline = 1) a fishing line with baited hooks set at intervals on branch lines; it may be 150 km long and have several thousand hooks and can be on the sea bed or above it supported by floats. It may be anchored or drift free and is marked by floats. Seabirds may take the baited hook before it sinks and are pulled underwater to drown. This can be partly avoided by setting streamers that flap and scare birds away, by setting lines at night when most albatross do not feed, weighting the line so it sinks quickly, using bird-scaring water cannons, and setting the line nearer the water surface rather than over the side of the boat. Also called line trawl.

longline = 2) a long line on the end of fishing rod.

longline = 3) a fishing pole with a rig the same length; used mostly in trotting, q.v.

longline = 4) end rope (a line connecting the end of the first or last section of a longline backrope or string to the dan line (all q.v.). Also called back of line, dumb string, dummy, end tow, lud tow and spreadline).

longline pot = a fixed line with two or more pots attached.

longliner = a fishing vessel employing longlines. Several automatic or semi-automatic systems are used on larger boats to bait the hooks and to shoot and haul the lines.

longliner knot = a knot used by anglers to attach a hook line to a heavy main line such that the hook line will not slip. Various websites have animated steps showing how to tie this knot.

longshore = 1) directed along the shore.

longshore = 2) existing on. frequenting, close to or parallel to the shore.

longshore bar = a sand ridge paralleling the shore that may be exposed at low tide.

longshore current = wind-driven current along the shore, playing an important role in sediment transport and deposition and thus affecting fishes through habitat formation.

longshore trough = an elongate depression in the offshore zone outside the breakers.

longshoreman = 1) a man who fishes from, or along, the shore (archaic).

longshoreman = 2) a person employed to unload ships.

looacher = loach.

look-on net = a part of a fishing net pulled up to ascertain if any fish have been caught.

loom = the track or wake of a fish (English dialect).

loop = the u-shape of the cast fly line. Rods with soft action produce more open loops and a gentle presentation while fast rods produce tighter loops and greater distance.

loop connection = fly or leader rigs with loops tied in each section which can be interlocked for easy changing.

loop net = a net suspended in a framed structure, with a handle. When the fisherman senses movement the net is manipulated in order to catch the fish.

loop-to-loop knot = a simple way of joining two pieces of line.

loose action plug = a lure with wide slow movements from side to side.

loose fish = 1) a dissipated person, as a loose fish has made its way out of a net so a person has thrown off moral restraint.

loose fish = 2) an independent member of Parliament (slang).

loose ice = ice covering five-tenths to eight-tenths of the water surface. Also called broken ice, loose pack ice, open ice, open pack ice, slack ice.

loose feed = the use of particle bait to attract fish to an area where an angler has baited hooks. The particle bait can be the same as the hook bait or sweet corn, maize, trout pellets, etc.

loose fish = 1) a fish that has escaped the net.

loose fish = 2) a dissipated character (slang).

loose fish = 3) an independent member of parliament.

loose fish = 4) by-catch, fish that may take hooks meant for other fish.

loose fish = 5) a prostitute (slang).

loose pack ice = loose ice.

loose-action plug = a fishing lure having wide and slow side to side movements.

loose-fish = 1) a fish that has escaped the net.

loose-fish = 2) a dissipated character (slang).

loose-fish = 3) an independent member of parliament.

loose-fish = 4) by-catch, fish that may take hooks meant for other fish.

loose-fish = 5) a prostitute (slang).

lophocercal = protocercal (the type of tail fin primitively symmetrical, both internally and externally, and hence one which has not undergone reduction or modification of the original form, e.g. in Petromyzontiformes).

lord = 1) a fish with lordosis (Newfoundland).

lord = 2) the master of the first English fishing vessel to reach a harbour in Newfoundland, with certain privileges for the season. See also fishing admiral.

lord of the harbour = lord (2).

lord-fish = a fish with lordosis (Newfoundland).

lordosis = an abnormal dorso-ventral curvature of the fish vertebral column; a hump.

lore (plural lores) = the area between the eyes and the mouth on a fish's head (more usually used in ornithology).

Lorenzini's ampullae = the mucus filled canal system opening on the snout of Elasmobranchii, Polyodon spathula and Plotosus anguillaris. May be electric, pressure or temperature receptors.

lores = plural of lore.

lose in hake, but gain in herring = lose one way, but gain in another. Herrings are reputedly persecuted by hake.

lose one's spring = to experience a failure at fishing (Newfoundland).

lose one's summer = to experience a failure at fishing (Newfoundland).

lose one's year = to experience a failure at fishing (Newfoundland).

losing stream = a stream or a part of a stream that loses water to the groundwater. Also called influent stream.

lot = 1) all the specimens collected at one time and place (including one or more species, a collection lot; including one species only, a species lot).

lot = 2) a shipment or part of a shipment of fish that is of the same species, is processed in the same manner by the same producer, is packaged in the same size of container and bears the same label.

lother = a large fish springing from the angler's hands and dashing into the water (Lancashire dialect).

lotic = referring to running water as in rivers or streams, as opposed to lentic or still waters.

lou = low.

lough = lake or inlet of the sea (Irish).

louning = thin, meagre, lanky, long, emaciated or spent, sometimes said of fish (Cornish dialect).

love = a horizontal ledge in a smoke house about 7 feet from the floor from which spits or sticks of herrings are suspended, so as to allow smoke and air to pass freely (Norfolk dialect).

low = a fire kindled on a river bank by poachers in Scotland.

lowe = low.

low head dam = a dam extending across a river of low height, usually 15 feet (about 5 metres) or less. It impounds the water behind it, has minimal effects on the downstream regime and allows water to fall over its whole width. Quite dangerous as boaters and swimmers may not see it until too late and can be caught in the backwash beneath the dam. Also called channel dam or run-of-the-river dam.

low temperature disease = coldwater disease (a bacterial disease of juvenile and yolk-sac fry of salmonids caused by Cytophaga psychrophila (or Flexibacter psychrophilus). It occurs at temperatures below 10°C and is an external and systemic disease with lesions on the fins skin and muscles, often concentrated on the caudal peduncle. Survivors may lose the caudal fin. Severe outbreaks leave fish lethargic and spinal deformities develop, or some fish may show spiral swimming, dorsal swelling and dark pigmentation on one side of the body; mortality is common. Also called peduncle disease).

low tide = low water, a non-technical term.

low water = 1) the lowest level of the tide, the minimum height reached by each falling tide; also the time of that tide in a 12-hour cycle at a particular point.

low water = 2) a low stage of the water in a river or lake.

low water line = the line where the established low water datum intersects the shore.

low water neaps = neap low water (the average height of the low waters of the neap tide).

low-level consumer = a fish that feeds near the bottom of the food web in its community. In fishes the food may not be entirely restricted to plants (a first-level consumer, q.v.).

low-opening trawl = a bottom trawl designed to capture demersal species.

lowe = a torch used by fish poachers or the light cast by a poacher's lantern.

lower articular = retroarticular (the triangular, endochondral, dermal or mixed origin bone on the back, hind corner of the lower jaw. Often called the angular, Bridge' ossicle a or angulo-retroarticular).

lower course = bream zone (a European river classification system based on species, in this case the cyprinid Abramis brama, as characteristic; a sludgy bottom of silt and sand with much macrophyte growth).

lower high water = the lower of the two high waters of any tidal day.

lower jaw-fork length = the straight distance from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork of the tail; used for billfishes.

lower jaw length = measured from the anterior tip of the lower jaw to the posterior angle.

lower low water = the lower of two low waters of any tidal day where the tide exhibits mixed characteristics.

lower limb = the horizontal portion of gill arch or interopercle.

lower panel = net sections on the underside of a trawl.

lower pharyngeal bone = the fifth ceratobranchial, especially that in Cyprinidae and relatives, which is strengthened and tooth-bearing. Also called infrapharyngobranchial dental plate.

lower reach = lower course.

lower risk = in the IUCN Criteria for threatened species, a taxon is Lower Risk when it has been evaluated, does not satisfy the criteria for any of the categories Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable. Abbreviated as LR. Taxa included in the Lower Risk category can be separated into three subcategories: 1) Conservation Dependent (cd). Taxa which are the focus of a continuing taxon-specific or habitat-specific conservation programme targeted towards the taxon in question, the cessation of which would result in the taxon qualifying for one of the threatened categories above within a period of five years, 2) Near Threatened (nt). Taxa which do not qualify for Conservation Dependent, but which are close to qualifying for Vulnerable and 3) Least Concern (lc). Taxa which do not qualify for Conservation Dependent or Near Threatened.

lower river = lower course.

lower wing = a trawl net section extending forward from one side of the belly and usually joined to the adjacent top wing (two panel trawls) or adjacent side wing (four panel trawls).

lowhead dam = a dam extending across a river of low height, usually 15 feet (about 5 metres) or less. It impounds the water behind it, has minimal effects on the downstream regime and allows water to fall over its whole width. Quite dangerous as boaters and swimmers may not see it until too late and can be caught in the backwash beneath the dam. Also called channel dam or run-of-the-river dam.

lowholed = angler slang for when another angler steps in front of you or positions their boat in front of your boat.

lowland river = a river characterised by a muddy bottom with many rooted plants, slow and meandering.

lox = locks.

lozenge trawl = a midwater trawl with four seams running from the middle of the head, foot and side ropes instead of from the wing end points.

LR = lower risk.

LRP = limit reference point ( indicates the limit beyond which the state of a fishery and/or a resource is not considered desirable. Fishery development should be stopped before reaching it).

LT₅₀ = 1) temperature lethal to 50% of an exposed population (or where 50% survive).

LT₅₀ = 2) lethal time (the time over which an administered chemical will result in the death of half the fish for a given dose).

LTPY = long-term potential yield ( the largest average harvest that can be taken from a fish stock on a sustainable basis, allowing for variable environmental conditions).

lucie = a pike (Esox lucius) as used in heraldry. Also spelled lucy.

luciferase = an enzyme concerned in bioluminescence, speeding the conversion of luciferin to oxyluciferin to produce light.

luciferin = a substance concerned in bioluminescence, being oxidized in the presence of the enzyme luciferase to produce oxyluciferin and light.

luciferous = light producing, bioluminescent.

lucky words = words used by fishermen only at the haaf or deepsea fishing.

lucy = a pike (Esox lucius) as used in heraldry. Also spelled lucie.

lud tow = end rope (a line connecting the end of the first or last section of a longline backrope or string to the dan line (all q.v.). Also called back of line, dumb string, longline, dummy, end tow and spreadline).

lug = 1) belly flap (a loose piece of skin and flesh hanging from fish ribs in fish preparation). Also called lug flap and wing.

lug = 2) a loop on the end of fishing line.

lug = 3) a marine worm (Arenicola piscatorium) used as bait.

lug = 4) a projection, from the Middle English for earflap; now slang for the ear.

lug bone = the bone at the shoulder of a fish that forms the leading edge of a belly flap, q.v., in preparing fish as food. Also called collar bone, nape bone and shoulder bone.

lug fin = the fin of a fish nearest the ear.

lug flap = lug.

lug stane = a stone attached to the lower side of a herring net for the purpose of making it sink (Banff dialect).

lug steen = lug stane.

lug wing = lug (1).

lugger = small fishing boat rigged with one or more lugsails.

lumbar = pertaining to the hind upper surface of the pectoral fin in Rajidae.

lumen = 1) the cavity of any organ, duct or sac.

lumen = 2) a measurement of light intensity (1 lumen=10.76 lux).

luminous organ = a light producing structure or photophore, q.v.

lumper = 1) a scientist who engages in lumping.

lumper = 2) a helper in the cod fishery of Newfoundland, either at sea or on shore.

lumpfish caviar = the eggs of Cyclopterus lumpus (Cyclopteridae) as caviar.

lumping = combining taxa where minor variation is deemed insufficient for species recognition. Others would disagree and believe that the taxa are distinct. The converse is splitting.

lunar day = in describing tides, the time of rotation of the Earth with respect to the moon, or the interval between two successive upper transits of the moon over the meridian of a place. The mean lunar day is approximately 24.84 solar hours in length. Also called tidal day.

lunar tide = that portion of the tide attributed directly to attraction to the moon.

lunate = crescent-shaped, moon-shaped.

lunger = longer.

lunker = a very large bass (Micropterus sp.), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) and muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and, by extension, any large sport fish.

lunker lure = buzzbait (a spinner designed to make a disturbance in the water's surface by means of rotating blades).

lunula = the exposed portion of a scale when it is in its natural position.

lure = 1) to attract.

lure = 2) a general term for artificial devices meant to attract fish to strike; usually imitating fish or other prey, or providing flash and movement that stimulate a strike.

lure = 3) a device attractive to fish, usually excluding artificial bait and artificial flies. May even be leaves or bunches of grass strung on a line, for example - fish are attracted perhaps by a need for shelter, for food associated with the line, for orientation, or by low-frequency vibrations that the line generates.

lure = 4) a natural structure attractive to fish, e.g. the modified mantle of mussels or clams which resembles a small fish, and thus attracts a larger, predatory fish. The larval glochidia of the mussel can then attach to the predator as it tries to strike the lure.

lure line = lure (2).

lure retriever = a heavy device of various designs slid down the fishing line to knock the lure loose when snagged.

lute fish = lutefisk.

lutefisk = a Scandinavian "delicacy", cod treated with lye, served hot with potatoes, pork or bacon drippings, melted butter, pepper and mustard. The fish is washed repeatedly to remove the lye; very strong smell, likened to that of a sewer, cf. surströmming.

lymph nodes = absent in fishes. Phagocytic cells however are found in the gill lamellae and the endothelial lining of the heart atrium.

lymphatic heart = a structure at the base of the caudal fin communicating with the lymph vessels and the caudal vein.

lymphocystis disease = cauliflower disease (a mildly-infectious viral disease (Lymphocystis) of eels and higher aquarium fishes (not cyprinids and catfishes) causing enlarged cells forming lesions on the jaws, and also on fins and skin. The lesions can coalesce to form a cauliflower shape. There is no known treatment and the lesions eventually disappear).

lyre = a grade of isinglass (the glutinous or gelatin-like fluid prepared from the collagen of the outer layer of gas bladders of sturgeons or other fishes. Used in clarifying wines and beers, for jams and jellies, in printing inks and as an adhesive cement).

lything = fishing for lythe or pollock (Pollachius virens).

© Brian W. Coad (www.briancoad.com)

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