Abstract
A derivation of opposite gender forms in the case of animal names is a peripheral language phenomenon which is not covered by grammar books in sufficient detail. Therefore, grammar books sometimes contain simplified and inaccurate statements.
This article describes occurrences of derived opposite gender forms of animal names in dictionaries and their usage. Some of the statements included in grammar books are either disproved or specified here.
For example, this article proves the productivity of an overlooked suffix -ka and points out the complexity of markedness of derived opposite gender forms. Although the article is primarily synchronous, it also deals with historical development where necessary.