Definition of Term

vertebral counts

(English) Number of bones in the backbone is a feature - like the number of rays in fins - used to classify fish species. Usually all the vertebrae are counted. If sutures are present in the urostyle, the indicated elements are counted. When sutures are absent the urostyle (if present) is usually counted as one vertebra. Vertebral counts may be separated into abdominal (precaudal or prehaemal) and caudal (haemal) vertebrae. The first caudal vertebra has a definite haemal spine and is the first vertebra to enclose the caudal vein (although there may be complete haemal arches not enclosing the caudal vein). In some older works the vertebral count is given as a fraction, the abdominal vertebrae forming the numerator, the caudal the denominator. In Ostariophysi (Cypriniformes and Siluriformes) the vertebrae in the Weberian apparatus are included. Some authors also count prethoracic vertebrae separately. (See also: identification, classification, fin rays)

contagens vertebrais

(Portuguese) O número de ossos da coluna vertebral é uma característica - como o número de raios numa barbatana - usada para classificar as espécies de peixe. (See also: identification, classification, fin rays)

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