Fish Biology Vocabulary

noun a small tooth or toothlike projection, especially on the surface of a shell or the exoskeleton of an arthropod

• The denticle on the shark's skin helps reduce drag as it swims through the water.
• I noticed a small denticle on the edge of the table.
• That denticle on your car bumper is really noticeable.
• Her sharp words were like denticles, leaving small wounds on his ego.

noun a small opening on the surface of an organism, especially in an insect or aquatic animal, through which air is taken in or expelled

• The spiracle is a small opening on the surface of an insect's body used for breathing.
• I learned that insects breathe through tiny holes called spiracles.
• Check out the spiracle on that bug, it's so small!
• Her eyes were like spiracles, always watching and observing everything around her.