The Free Online Aquaculture Dictionary

K

Kakaban

A "nest" made from natural material such as sticks or artificial material such as unraveled ropes on which some species of fish spawn. Many kakabans are added to ponds at spawning times and removed with the egg mass for controlled fertilisation.

Ketotestosterone

Hormone responsible, with testosterone, for the development of the secondary sexual characteristics.

Keyed (keying)

The preparation of a smooth surface by chemically or physically roughening it, so that glues and cements bond more tightly to the surface.

Kidney

Organ of the body responsible for the cleansing of the blood and filtering / excretion of urine and other salts. Is important in the osmoregulation process. See also nephrocalcinosis

Krill

Small shrimp like crustacean (2-3cm long) which is found in large quantities in Antarctic waters. Krill are sometimes used as a constituent in fish diets, however their high price tends to limit their use to an attractant to stimulate feeding, rather than a major contributor to nutrition.

Kype

A hooked, bony structure, extending the bottom jaw of male salmonids. Developed as a secondary sexual characteristic leading up to the spawning process.