Definition of Term

vexillum

(English) A long dorsal appendage in larvae (vexillifer larvae) of Carapidae and Pyramodontidae. Commences as a small pigmented thickening on the front end of the dorsal fin, changes to a small papilla, then to a soft forked projection and finally a long-lobed complex structure. The appendage degenerates when the larva assumes a benthic mode of life. It is composed of bilaterally paired, segmented components, each of which contains a proximal and a distal element. (See also: fin rays, larval development, LarvalBase)

vexille

(French) Rayon antérieure et allongé de la nageoire dorsale hautement modifié chez des carapidés larvaires. (See also: fin rays, larval development, LarvalBase)

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