Oiboshi (English spelling) pearl organ

Japanese: 追星 - おいぼし（英語表記）pearl organ

A type of nuptial coloration found in some species of freshwater bony fish. It is found on various parts of the body, such as the gill cover and fin rays. It usually appears on males during the reproductive season. It occasionally appears on females, but it is less developed than in males. The English word means "pearl organ," and it comes from the fact that in fish such as goldfish, the epidermal cells are thickened and shine with a pearly luster.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia About Encyclopaedia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia Information

Japanese:

淡水産硬骨魚類のいくつかの種にみられる婚姻色の一種。鰓蓋，鰭条など諸部位にみられる。普通は生殖の時期の雄に出現する。まれに雌にも出現するが，雄ほど発達しない。英語は真珠器の意味で，キンギョなどの追星では表皮細胞が肥厚し，真珠光沢をもって光るからである。

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