aleta

Aleta is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese with several related meanings. In anatomy and biology, aleta denotes a fin or fin-like projection on aquatic animals, particularly fish. It can refer to any of the fins on a fish, including the caudal (tail) fin, dorsal fin, pectoral fins, and anal fin, serving purposes of propulsion, steering, and stabilization.

In culinary and fisheries contexts, alletas refer to edible fins or the meat near fins, and phrases such as aleta de tiburón appear in discussions of cuisine and regulation. The word is commonly encountered in field guides, fishery reports, and cooking contexts to describe the finned parts of aquatic animals.

The word originates from the Spanish ala, wing, with a suffix forming a specialized wing-like structure that came to denote a fin in aquatic contexts. This etymology reflects the visual similarity between fins and wings.

Beyond its biological sense, Aleta is used as a personal name in various cultures and may appear as a surname. Its exact usage and popularity differ by country and language, and it can be found in diverse regions where Spanish or Portuguese influence is present.