sirip

Sirip is a word used in Malay and Indonesian that translates to "fin" or "flipper." It denotes the fin-like appendages of aquatic animals that provide propulsion, steering, and stability in the water. In zoological and anatomical contexts, sirip refers to fins such as dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, anal, and caudal fins on fish, sharks, dolphins, and related species. The term appears in veterinary and biology texts as a general label for these structures, and it is sometimes used in compound forms to specify a particular fin type.

In culinary contexts, sirip is commonly associated with the fins of sharks, which are used in traditional dishes such as shark fin soup. The phrase sup sirip ikan hiu or similar terms may appear in Malay- or Indonesian-language menus and recipes. Due to concerns about shark finning and the sustainability of shark populations, many countries and regions have enacted restrictions or bans on the sale and trade of shark fins, impacting how the term is encountered in commerce and cuisine.

Linguistically, sirip originates from Malay and Indonesian and is part of everyday vocabulary in those languages when referring to fins in general or to specific fin-related topics. The term also appears in regional media, education, and conservation discussions where marine anatomy, ecology, and wildlife protection are addressed. See also shark fin, shark fin soup, fins, and marine biology.