adjective
- having an asymmetrical tail fin with the backbone extending into the upper lobe
Usage: biology; ichthyology
Examples
- Sharks have heterocercal tail fins that help them maintain buoyancy.
- The heterocercal tail structure is characteristic of cartilaginous fish.
- Most bony fish have homocercal tails, unlike sharks with their heterocercal design.
- The heterocercal fin provides lift as the shark swims forward.
- Paleontologists can identify ancient fish species by their heterocercal tail fossils.
- The asymmetrical heterocercal tail distinguishes sharks from most other fish.