Definition of Term

contact organ

(English) The dermal bony outgrowth or spicule projecting from a fin ray or scale margin and surrounded by the epidermis through which bony outgrowths may protrude. Present in those parts of the body and fins of the male which come in direct contact with the female during the spawning act. May be tactile in function. Found in 9 families of 3 orders: Cypriniformes, Atheriniformes, and Scorpaeniformes. (See also: spicule, scale, epidermis)

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