Suprabranchial

Suprabranchial is an anatomical term meaning situated above the gills (branchial region). It is used primarily in ichthyology and vertebrate anatomy to describe structures and spaces located in the area above the gill arches.

In fishes, the suprabranchial region includes the suprabranchial cavity or chamber, a space located above the gill chamber. In several groups of air-breathing fishes, this region is associated with specialized respiratory tissues or structures that facilitate gas exchange with the atmosphere. The suprabranchial chamber can function as part of an air-breathing system, serving to intake and hold air that is used for respiration when dissolved oxygen in water is limited.

The term is typically used to refer to a region rather than a single discrete organ. In some species, the suprabranchial area houses an air-breathing organ or provides a reservoir or pathway that aids in atmospheric respiration. Examples of taxa where such adaptations are described include certain gouramis and other freshwater air-breathing fishes, though the exact anatomy and terminology can vary among species and authors.

Etymology consists of the Latin supra- meaning above and branchial meaning gills, reflecting its location above the gill region. The concept is primarily of interest in comparative anatomy and the study of respiratory adaptations in aquatic vertebrates.