Ambassis macleayi, commonly known as Macleay's glassfish, Macleay's glass perchlet, Macleay's perchlet, reticulated glassfish, reticulated perchlet, or network perchlet, is a species of
freshwater fish in the family
Ambassidae. It is native to northern
Australia and the
trans-Fly River region of
New Guinea. It is a fish with a vertically flat, narrow body and a
standard length generally between 35 and 45 mm (1.4 and 1.8 in), with large specimens reaching 77 mm (3.0 in) long. It generally eats
water fleas and other small invertebrates. This fish is considered to be a
least-concern species according to the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although it could suffer from habitat degradation due to
feral pigs and
invasive water plants such as the
water hyacinth. The fish is suitable for aquarium use in tanks containing other non-aggressive species. (Full article...)
The ocean sunfish or common mola (Mola mola) is one of the largest bony fish in the world. It was misidentified as the heaviest bony fish, which was actually a different and closely-related species of sunfish, Mola alexandrini. Adults typically weigh between 247 and 1,000 kg (545 and 2,205 lb). The
species belongs to the Mola genus, one of three in the
Molidae family. It is native to
tropical and
temperate waters around the world. It resembles a fish head without a tail, and its main body is flattened laterally. Sunfish can be as tall as they are long when their
dorsal and ventral
fins are extended.
Adult sunfish are vulnerable to few natural predators, but
sea lions,
killer whales, and
sharks will consume them. Sunfish are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, including
Japan,
Korea, and
Taiwan. In the
European Union, regulations ban the sale of fish and fishery products derived from the family
Molidae. Sunfish are frequently caught in
gillnets. (Full article...)
The spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) is a
cartilaginous fish of the
eagle ray family, Aetobatidae. As traditionally recognized, it is found globally in tropical regions, including the
Atlantic,
Pacific and
Indian Oceans. Recent authorities have restricted it to the Atlantic (including the
Caribbean and
Gulf of Mexico) with other populations recognized as the
ocellated eagle ray (A. ocellatus) and
Pacific white-spotted eagle ray (A. laticeps). Spotted eagle rays are most commonly seen alone, but occasionally swim in groups. They are
ovoviviparous, the female retaining the eggs then releasing the young as miniature versions of the parent.
This ray can be identified by its dark
dorsal surface covered in white spots or rings. Near the base of the ray's relatively long tail, just behind the
pelvic fins, are several
venomous, barbed stingers. Spotted eagle rays commonly feed on small fish and
crustaceans, and will sometimes dig with their snouts to look for food buried in the sand of the sea bed. These rays are commonly observed leaping out of the water, and on at least two occasions have been reported as having jumped into boats, in one incident resulting in the death of a woman in the
Florida Keys. The spotted eagle ray is hunted by a wide variety of sharks. The rays are considered
near threatened on the
IUCN Red List. They are fished mainly in Southeast Asia and Africa, the most common market being in commercial trade and aquariums. They are protected in the
Great Barrier Reef. (Full article...)
Image 4
The winghead shark (Eusphyra blochii) is a
species of
hammerhead shark, and part of the
family Sphyrnidae. Reaching a length of 1.9 m (6.2 ft), this small brown to gray shark has a slender body with a tall, sickle-shaped first
dorsal fin. Its name comes from its exceptionally large "hammer", or cephalofoil, which can be as wide as half of the shark's total length. The function of this structure is unclear, but may relate to the shark's senses. The wide spacing of its eyes grants superb
binocular vision, while the extremely long nostrils on the leading margin of the cephalofoil may allow for better detection and tracking of odor trails in the water. The cephalofoil also provides a large surface area for its
ampullae of Lorenzini and
lateral line, with potential benefits for
electroreception and
mechanoreception, respectively.
The bigeye sand tiger (Odontaspis noronhai) is an extremely rare
species of
mackerel shark in the
familyOdontaspididae, with a possible worldwide distribution. A large, bulky species reaching at least 3.6 m (12 ft) in length, the bigeye sand tiger has a long bulbous snout, large orange eyes without
nictitating membranes, and a capacious mouth with the narrow teeth prominently exposed. It can be distinguished from the similar
smalltooth sand tiger (O. ferox) by its teeth, which have only one lateral cusplet on each side, and by its uniformly dark brown color.
The Atlantic torpedo (Tetronarce nobiliana) is a
species of
electric ray in the
familyTorpedinidae. It is found in the
Atlantic Ocean, from
Nova Scotia to
Brazil in the west and from
Scotland to
West Africa and off
southern Africa in the east, occurring at depths of up to 800 m (2,600 ft), and in the Mediterranean Sea. Younger individuals generally inhabit shallower, sandy or muddy
habitats, whereas adults are more
pelagic in nature and frequent open water. Up to 1.8 m (6 ft) long and weighing 90 kg (200 lb), the Atlantic torpedo is the largest known electric ray. Like other members of its genus, it has an almost circular
pectoral fin disk with a nearly straight leading margin, and a robust tail with a large triangular
caudal fin. Distinctive characteristics include its uniform dark color, smooth-rimmed
spiracles (paired respiratory openings behind the eyes), and two
dorsal fins of unequal size.
Solitary and
nocturnal, the Atlantic torpedo is capable of generating up to 220
volts of
electricity to subdue its prey or defend itself against predators. Its diet consists mainly of
bony fishes, though it also feeds on small
sharks and
crustaceans. It is an
aplacental viviparous species, wherein the developing
embryos are nourished by
yolk and later maternally provided histotroph ("uterine milk"). Females give birth to up to 60 young following a
gestation period of one year. The
electric shock of this species can be quite severe and painful, though it is not fatal. Because of its electrogenic properties, the Atlantic torpedo was used in
medicine by the
Ancient Greeks and
Romans and became the namesake of the
naval weapon. Prior to the 19th century, its
liver oil was used as lamp fuel, but it is no longer of any economic value. The
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed this species as Least Concern; it is
caught unintentionally by
commercial and
recreational fishers, but the impact of these activities on its population is unknown. (Full article...)
Image 7
The common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) is a species of
stingray in the
familyDasyatidae, found in the northeastern
Atlantic Ocean and the
Mediterranean and
Black Seas. It typically inhabits sandy or muddy
habitats in coastal waters shallower than 60 m (200 ft), often burying itself in sediment. Usually measuring 45 cm (18 in) across, the common stingray has a diamond-shaped
pectoral fin disc slightly wider than long, and a whip-like tail with upper and lower fin folds. It can be identified by its plain coloration and mostly smooth skin, except for a row of tubercles along the midline of the back in the largest individuals.
The silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) is a large
species of
requiem shark, in the
familyCarcharhinidae, with a fragmented distribution throughout the
tropicalIndian and
Pacific Oceans. It is often encountered around offshore islands and
coral reefs, and has been known to dive to a depth of 800 m (2,600 ft). The silvertip shark resembles a larger and bulkier
grey reef shark (C. amblyrhynchos), but can be easily identified by the prominent white margins on its fins. It attains a maximum length of 3 m (10 ft).
An aggressive, powerful
apex predator, the silvertip shark feeds on a wide variety of
bony fishes, as well as
eagle rays, smaller sharks, and
cephalopods. This species dominates other requiem sharks of equal size when competing for food, and larger individuals are often heavily scarred from conflicts with others of its species. As with other members of its family, the silvertip shark is
viviparous, with females giving birth to one to 11 pups in the summer. Silvertip sharks are regarded as potentially dangerous to humans, as they often approach divers quite closely. This slow-reproducing species is taken by
commercial fisheries for its meat, fins, skin,
cartilage, and jaws and teeth, which has apparently led to local population declines or
extirpations. (Full article...)
Image 9
The crossback stingaree or banded stingaree (Urolophus cruciatus) is a
species of
stingray in the
familyUrolophidae. It is
endemic to southeastern
Australia, mainly off
Victoria and
Tasmania but also marginally to
New South Wales and
South Australia. This
bottom-dwelling fish generally inhabits sand and reef
habitats deeper than 100 m (330 ft) off Victoria, and muddy habitats in shallow
bays and
estuaries off Tasmania. Befitting its name, the crossback stingaree has a distinctive dark pattern on its back, consisting of a midline stripe that is crossed by three transverse bars. It has an oval
pectoral fin disc with a blunt snout and a skirt-shaped curtain of skin between the nostrils. Its tail is short with no skin fold along the sides, and a deep, leaf-shaped
caudal fin. The youngest rays may have a small
dorsal fin in front of the stinging tail spine. This species reaches 50 cm (20 in) in length.
During the day the crossback stingaree is usually inactive and can be found partially or completely buried in sand on the sea floor. It is a
carnivore and adults forage for
crustaceans,
polychaete worms and other small invertebrates on the seafloor. Juveniles feed on smaller crustaceans such as
isopods, amphipods and shrimps. (Full article...)
Image 10
The Japanese angelshark (Squatina japonica) is a
species of
angelshark,
family Squatinidae, found in the northwestern Pacific Ocean off China, Japan, and Korea. It is a
bottom-dwelling shark found in sandy
habitats down to 300 m (980 ft) deep. This species has the flattened shape with wing-like
pectoral and
pelvic fins typical of its family, and grows to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) or more in length. Its two
dorsal fins are placed behind the pelvic fins, and a row of large thorns occurs along its dorsal midline. Its upper surface is
cryptically patterned, with numerous squarish dark spots on a brown background.
The great northern tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) or golden tile, is the largest species in the family
Malacanthidae (tilefishes). It grows to a length of between 38 and 44 inches (970 and 1,120 mm). The great northern tilefish is a slow-growing and long-lived species that has four stages of life. After hatching from eggs, the larvae are found in
plankton. As they grow into juveniles, the individuals seek shelter until finding or making their own burrows. As adults, the tilefish continue to expand their burrows in the sediment throughout their lives. The diet of the larvae is unknown, but presumed to consist of zooplankton; juveniles and adults feed upon various
benthicinvertebrates,
crustaceans, and fish. After reaching sexual maturity between 5 and 7 years of age, females lay eggs throughout the mating season for the male to fertilize, with each female laying an average of 2.3 million eggs.
The great northern tilefish fishery has been regulated to prevent
overfishing. Regulations include catch limits and gear restrictions to prevent damage to the species' habitat and population. The result of these regulations has been a rebounding of the population, which led to an increase in the 2012 catch limit in the southern part of the
Atlantic seaboard. (Full article...)
Image 12
The sparsely spotted stingaree (Urolophus paucimaculatus), also known as the white-spotted stingaree or Dixon's stingaree, is a
species of
stingray in the
familyUrolophidae, common off the southern
Australian coast. Preferring sandy flats and
seagrass beds, this
benthic ray can be found from close to shore to a depth of at least 150 m (490 ft), and tends to occur deeper in the northern portion of its range. Reaching a length of 57 cm (22 in), this species has a broad, diamond-shaped
pectoral fin disc that is typically plain gray in color above with a V-shaped marking between the eyes. Individuals from southerly waters also generally exhibit a smattering of small, dark-edged white spots. This ray is further characterized by a distinctively bell-shaped curtain of skin between the nostrils. Its tail has a skin fold running along either side and a leaf-shaped
caudal fin, but no
dorsal fin.
Relatively inactive during daytime, the sparsely spotted stingaree preys mainly on
crustaceans, and to a much lesser extent on
polychaete worms and other small benthic organisms. It is
aplacental viviparous, with the mother provisioning her young with histotroph ("uterine milk"). Life history differs between the eastern and western subpopulations: eastern females bear litters of up to six pups with a twelve-month
gestation period, while western females bear litters of only one or two pups with a ten-month gestation period. Also, western rays
mature later and live longer than eastern rays. The
venomous sting of the sparsely spotted stingaree is potentially injurious to humans, and it has been reported to react aggressively if disturbed. The
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed it under
Least Concern, as there is little fishing activity over the majority of its range. (Full article...)
Sharks are a group of
elasmobranch fish characterized by a
cartilaginous skeleton, five to seven
gill slits on the sides of the
head, and
pectoral fins that are not fused to the head. Modern sharks are classified within the
cladeSelachimorpha (or Selachii) and are the
sister group to the
Batoidea (
rays and kin). Some sources extend the term "shark" as an informal category including extinct members of
Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish) with a shark-like morphology, such as
hybodonts. Shark-like chondrichthyans such as Cladoselache and Doliodus first appeared in the
Devonian Period (419–359 million years), though some fossilized chondrichthyan-like scales are as old as the
Late Ordovician (458–444 million years ago). The oldest confirmed modern sharks (selachimorphs) are known from the
Early Jurassic, about 200 million years ago, though records of true sharks may extend back as far as the
Permian.
Sharks range in size from the small
dwarf lanternshark (Etmopterus perryi), a deep sea species that is only 17 centimetres (6.7 in) in length, to the
whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish in the world, which reaches approximately 12 metres (40 ft) in length. They are found in all seas and are common to depths up to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). They generally do not live in freshwater, although there are a few known exceptions, such as the
bull shark and the
river shark, which can be found in both seawater and freshwater. Sharks have a covering of
dermal denticles that protects their skin from damage and
parasites in addition to improving their
fluid dynamics. They have numerous sets of replaceable teeth. (Full article...)
Image 14
Roughtail stingray (Bathytoshia centroura) at McGrail Bank, Gulf of Mexico
The roughtail stingray (Bathytoshia centroura) is a
species of
stingray in the
familyDasyatidae, with separate populations in coastal waters of the northwestern and southwestern
Atlantic Ocean. This
bottom-dwelling species typically inhabits sandy or muddy areas with patches of
invertebrate cover, at a depth of 15–50 m (49–164 ft). It is seasonally
migratory, overwintering in offshore waters and moving into coastal
habitats for summer. The largest whip-tail stingray in the Atlantic, the roughtail stingray grows up to 2.6 m (8.5 ft) across and 360 kg (800 lb) in weight. It is plain in color, with an angular, diamond-shaped
pectoral fin disc and a long, whip-like tail bearing a subtle fin fold underneath. The many thorns on its back and tail serve to distinguish it from other stingrays that share its
range.
The Portuguese dogfish (Centroscymnus coelolepis) or Portuguese shark, is a
species of
sleeper shark of the
familySomniosidae. This globally distributed species has been reported down to a depth of 3,675 m (12,057 ft), making it the deepest-living shark known. It inhabits lower
continental slopes and
abyssal plains, usually staying near the bottom. Stocky and dark brown in color, the Portuguese dogfish can be distinguished from similar-looking species (such as the
kitefin shark, Dalatias licha) by the small spines in front of its
dorsal fins. Its
dermal denticles are also unusual, resembling the
scales of a
bony fish. This species typically reaches 0.9–1 m (3.0–3.3 ft) in length; sharks in the
Mediterranean Sea are much smaller and have distinct depth and food preferences.
The Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) is a large Australian predatory freshwater
fish of the genus Maccullochella in the family
Percichthyidae. Although the species is called a
cod in the
vernacular, it is not related to the Northern Hemisphere marine cod (Gadus) species. The Murray cod is an important part of Australia's
vertebrate wildlife—
as an apex predator in the
Murray-Darling River system—and also
significant in Australia's human culture. The Murray cod is the largest exclusively freshwater fish in Australia, and one of the largest in the world. Other common names for Murray cod include cod, greenfish, goodoo, Mary River cod, Murray perch, ponde, pondi and Queensland freshwater cod.
The scientific name of Murray cod derives from an early Australian fish researcher
Allan Riverstone McCulloch and the river from which the explorer
Major Mitchell first scientifically described the species, the
Peel River. This was for a number of years changed to M. peelii peelii to differentiate Murray cod from
Mary River cod, which were designated as a
subspecies of Murray cod. However, as of 2010, Mary River cod have been raised to full species status (M. mariensis), thus Murray cod have reverted simply to M. peelii. (Full article...)
Image 5Areas of upwelling in red (from Pelagic fish)
Image 6Most of the rest of the mesopelagic fishes are ambush predators, such as this
sabertooth fish. The sabertooth uses its telescopic, upward-pointing eyes to pick out prey silhouetted against the gloom above. Their recurved teeth prevent a captured fish from backing out. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 7An annotated diagram of the basic external features of an
abyssal grenadier and standard length measurements. (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 14Red snapper, are generalized reef feeders with standard jaw and mouth structures that allow them to eat almost anything, though they prefer small fish and
crustaceans. (from Coral reef fish)
Image 26Areas of upwelling in red (from Coastal fish)
Image 27The
humpback anglerfish is a bathypelagic ambush predator, which attracts prey with a bioluminescent lure. It can ingest prey larger than itself, which it swallows with an inrush of water when it opens its mouth. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 30The
daggertooth paralyses other mesopelagic fish when it bites them with its dagger-like teeth (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 31Surgeonfish are among the most common of coral reef
herbivores, often feeding in
shoals. This may be a mechanism for overwhelming the highly aggressive defence responses of small territorial
damselfishes that vigorously guard small patches of algae on coral reefs. (from Coral reef fish)
Image 36Coral reefs support flourishing ecosystems,
paradoxically in clear, low nutrient waters, along tropical continental coasts and around volcanic islands.
Coral reef fish are numerous and diverse. (from Coastal fish)
Image 37Humans seldom encounter
frilled sharks alive, so they pose little danger (though scientists have accidentally cut themselves examining their teeth). (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 38World distribution of plankton (from Coastal fish)
Image 39
The global continental shelf, highlighted in light blue
Image 40Pacific decadal anomalies – April 2008 (from Pelagic fish)
Image 41Many
bristlemouth species, such as the "spark anglemouth" above, are also bathypelagic ambush predators that can swallow prey larger than themselves. They are among the most abundant of all vertebrate families. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 43Most mesopelagic fishes are small filter feeders that ascend at night to feed in the nutrient rich waters of the epipelagic zone. During the day, they return to the dark, cold, oxygen-deficient waters of the mesopelagic where they are relatively safe from predators.
Lanternfish account for as much as 65% of all deep sea fish
biomass and are largely responsible for the
deep scattering layer of the world's oceans. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 44Lanternfish are partial residents of the ocean epipelagic zone During the day they hide in deep waters, but at night they migrate up to surface waters to feed. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 46Young, red
flabby whalefish make nightly vertical migrations into the lower mesopelagic zone to feed on
copepods. When males mature into adults, they develop a massive liver and then their jaws fuse shut. They no longer eat, but continue to metabolise the energy stored in their liver. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 51The giant
whale shark, another resident of the ocean epipelagic zone, filter feeds on
plankton, and periodically dives deep into the mesopelagic zone. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 53The
stargazer is an
ambush predator which can deliver both venom and electric shocks. It has been called "the meanest thing in creation". (from Coastal fish)
Image 57The
great hammerhead detects the electrical signatures of stingrays buried in the sand and pins them with its "hammer". (from Demersal fish)
Image 58Oceanic fish inhabit the
oceanic zone, which is the deep open water which lies beyond the continental shelves. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 59The
stoplight loosejaw is also one of the few fishes that produce red
bioluminescence. As most of their prey cannot perceive red light, this allows it to hunt with an essentially invisible beam of light. (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 61Long-snouted lancetfish. Lancetfish are ambush predators which spend all their time in the mesopelagic zone. They are among the largest mesopelagic fishes (up to 2 m). (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 62Some flatfish can camouflage themselves on the ocean floor (from Demersal fish)
Image 63The huge
ocean sunfish, a true resident of the ocean epipelagic zone, sometimes drifts with the current, eating
jellyfish. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 73In the foreground is an
orange-lined triggerfish displaying spines.
Triggerfish have mouths that crush shells. Orange-lined triggerfish are particularly aggressive. The black and white fish are
three-stripe damselfish and the unstriped fish are
blue-green chromis damselfish. If the triggerfish attacks, the damselfish will hide in the nearby
cauliflower coral. If the triggerfish wants to hide, it will squeeze into a coral crevice and lock itself in place with its spines. (from Coral reef fish)
Image 74The
stoplight loosejaw has a
lower jaw one-quarter as long as its body. The jaw has no floor and is attached only by a hinge and a modified tongue bone. Large fang-like teeth in the front are followed by many small barbed teeth. (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 75Cod-like fishes, like this
morid cod have a
barbel (fleshy filament) on their lower jaw which they use to detect prey buried in the sand or mud. (from Coastal fish)
Image 81Shortfin mako shark make long seasonal migrations. They appear to follow temperature gradients, and have been recorded travelling more than 4,500 km in one year. (from Pelagic fish)
In
American English, the name gar (or garpike) is strictly applied to members of the Lepisosteidae, a family including seven living species of fish in two genera that inhabit fresh, brackish, and occasionally marine, waters of eastern
North America,
Central America, and the
Caribbean islands.
Koi are ornamental domesticated varieties of the
common carpCyprinus carpio, originated from
China and widely spread in
Japan. They are very closely related to
goldfish. The word "koi" comes from
Japanese meaning "
carp".
The spotted trunkfish (Lactophrys bicaudalis) is a species of
ray-finned fish in the family
Ostraciidae, native to the
Caribbean Sea and parts of the western Atlantic Ocean. Members of this family are known as boxfishes because they have a hard outer covering consisting of hexagonal, plate-like scales fused together into a solid, triangular or box-like
carapace. Because of this casing, the body of the spotted trunkfish is not flexible, and locomotion is normally limited to slow movements performed by rippling its
dorsal and
anal fins and gently beating its
pectoral fins. If faster motion is required, it can additionally use its
caudal fin for propulsion. This spotted trunkfish was photographed at a depth of about 40 ft (12 m) at Bari Reef,
Bonaire.
The giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus), shown here with a school of
golden trevally, is the largest
bony fish found in
coral reefs, and the aquatic emblem of
Queensland, Australia. The species can grow as large as 2.7 meters (9 ft) long, weighing up to 400 kg (880 lb). They are fairly common in shallow waters and feed on a variety of marine life, including small
sharks and juvenile
sea turtles.
The leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is a species of
hound shark found along the
Pacific coast of
North America from the U.S. state of
Oregon to
Mazatlán in Mexico. Typically measuring 1.2–1.5 m (3.9–4.9 ft) long, this slender-bodied shark is characterized by black saddle-like markings and large spots over its back.
The round ribbontail ray (Taeniura meyeni) is a species of stingray in the family
Dasyatidae, found throughout the nearshore waters of the tropical
Indo-Pacific region. Reaching 1.8 m (6 ft) across, this large ray is characterized by a thick, rounded pectoral fin disc covered by small
tubercles on top, and a relatively short tail bearing a single venomous spine. The ray is well-camouflaged when lying on the seabed; it is largely nocturnal, and preys on
molluscs,
crustaceans and
bony fish. Mature females bear litters of up to seven pups, which are fed during gestation on "uterine milk", a product secreted by the walls of the
oviduct. This round ribbontail ray was photographed in
Lakshadweep, India.
The orbicular batfish (Platax orbicularis) is a
batfish endemic to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has a thin, disc-shaped body, and male can grow up to 50 centimetres (20 in) in length. In the wild, the orbicular batfish lives in
brackish or marine waters, usually around reefs, at depths from 5 to 30 metres (20 to 100 ft). It is also a popular aquarium fish, although captive specimens generally do not grow as long as wild ones.
An Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
egg hatching. The
Alevin (larva) has grown around the remains of the
yolk sac - visible are the
arteries spinning around the
yolk and little oildrops, also the
gut, the
spine, the main
caudalblood vessel, the
bladder and the arcs of the
gills. In about 24 hours it will be a fry without yolk sac.
A sketch of a longnose sawshark (Pristiophorus cirratus), a species of
sawshark found in the eastern Indian Ocean around southern Australia on the
continental shelf at depths of between 40 and 310 m (130 and 1,020 ft). It is a medium-sized shark with a saw-like flattened snout which measures up to thirty percent of its body size.
Bryaninops yongei is a
benthic species of
goby widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the
Indian Ocean; it is commonly found living in and around coral. Although this species was discovered in 1906, its ability to propel itself quickly to escape predators makes it difficult to study.
People jigging—
fishing with a type of
lure known as a "jig"—for
squid in
Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. A jig consists of a lead sinker with a hook molded into it and usually covered by a soft body to attract fish. Jigs are intended to create a jerky, vertical motion, as opposed to
spinnerbaits which move through the water horizontally.
The flying gurnard is a fish of
tropical to warm temperate waters on both sides of the
Atlantic Ocean. When excited, it spreads its "wings", semi-transparent appendages tipped with a phosphorescent bright blue coloration which are used to frighten predators.
A discus (Symphysodon discus) is guarding its eggs. As for most
cichlids, brood care is highly developed with both the parents caring for the young. Additionally, adult discus produce a
secretion through their skin, off which the
larvae live during their first few days.
Mudskippers, such as this Periophthalmodon septemradiatus, are uniquely adapted to a completely amphibious lifestyle. They are active when out of water, feeding and interacting with one another, as well as defending their territories.
The mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus, not to be confused with the similarly named
mandarin fish) is a small (~6 cm or 2.4 in), brightly-colored member of the
dragonet family, popular in the saltwater
aquarium trade. The mandarinfish is native to the Western
Pacific, ranging approximately from the
Ryukyu Islands south to
Australia.
A plate with
fossils of Pseudostacus sp. (lobster, left) and Diplomystus birdii (fish, right), from the
Hakel paleontological formation in Lebanon. The paleontological sites of Lebanon contain deposits of some of the best-preserved fossils in the world, and include some species found nowhere else. The most famous of these is the Lebanese
lagerstätten of the Late
Cretaceous age.
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Ambassis macleayi, commonly known as Macleay's glassfish, Macleay's glass perchlet, Macleay's perchlet, reticulated glassfish, reticulated perchlet, or network perchlet, is a species of
freshwater fish in the family
Ambassidae. It is native to northern
Australia and the
trans-Fly River region of
New Guinea. It is a fish with a vertically flat, narrow body and a
standard length generally between 35 and 45 mm (1.4 and 1.8 in), with large specimens reaching 77 mm (3.0 in) long. It generally eats
water fleas and other small invertebrates. This fish is considered to be a
least-concern species according to the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although it could suffer from habitat degradation due to
feral pigs and
invasive water plants such as the
water hyacinth. The fish is suitable for aquarium use in tanks containing other non-aggressive species. (Full article...)
The ocean sunfish or common mola (Mola mola) is one of the largest bony fish in the world. It was misidentified as the heaviest bony fish, which was actually a different and closely-related species of sunfish, Mola alexandrini. Adults typically weigh between 247 and 1,000 kg (545 and 2,205 lb). The
species belongs to the Mola genus, one of three in the
Molidae family. It is native to
tropical and
temperate waters around the world. It resembles a fish head without a tail, and its main body is flattened laterally. Sunfish can be as tall as they are long when their
dorsal and ventral
fins are extended.
Adult sunfish are vulnerable to few natural predators, but
sea lions,
killer whales, and
sharks will consume them. Sunfish are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, including
Japan,
Korea, and
Taiwan. In the
European Union, regulations ban the sale of fish and fishery products derived from the family
Molidae. Sunfish are frequently caught in
gillnets. (Full article...)
The spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) is a
cartilaginous fish of the
eagle ray family, Aetobatidae. As traditionally recognized, it is found globally in tropical regions, including the
Atlantic,
Pacific and
Indian Oceans. Recent authorities have restricted it to the Atlantic (including the
Caribbean and
Gulf of Mexico) with other populations recognized as the
ocellated eagle ray (A. ocellatus) and
Pacific white-spotted eagle ray (A. laticeps). Spotted eagle rays are most commonly seen alone, but occasionally swim in groups. They are
ovoviviparous, the female retaining the eggs then releasing the young as miniature versions of the parent.
This ray can be identified by its dark
dorsal surface covered in white spots or rings. Near the base of the ray's relatively long tail, just behind the
pelvic fins, are several
venomous, barbed stingers. Spotted eagle rays commonly feed on small fish and
crustaceans, and will sometimes dig with their snouts to look for food buried in the sand of the sea bed. These rays are commonly observed leaping out of the water, and on at least two occasions have been reported as having jumped into boats, in one incident resulting in the death of a woman in the
Florida Keys. The spotted eagle ray is hunted by a wide variety of sharks. The rays are considered
near threatened on the
IUCN Red List. They are fished mainly in Southeast Asia and Africa, the most common market being in commercial trade and aquariums. They are protected in the
Great Barrier Reef. (Full article...)
Image 4
The winghead shark (Eusphyra blochii) is a
species of
hammerhead shark, and part of the
family Sphyrnidae. Reaching a length of 1.9 m (6.2 ft), this small brown to gray shark has a slender body with a tall, sickle-shaped first
dorsal fin. Its name comes from its exceptionally large "hammer", or cephalofoil, which can be as wide as half of the shark's total length. The function of this structure is unclear, but may relate to the shark's senses. The wide spacing of its eyes grants superb
binocular vision, while the extremely long nostrils on the leading margin of the cephalofoil may allow for better detection and tracking of odor trails in the water. The cephalofoil also provides a large surface area for its
ampullae of Lorenzini and
lateral line, with potential benefits for
electroreception and
mechanoreception, respectively.
The bigeye sand tiger (Odontaspis noronhai) is an extremely rare
species of
mackerel shark in the
familyOdontaspididae, with a possible worldwide distribution. A large, bulky species reaching at least 3.6 m (12 ft) in length, the bigeye sand tiger has a long bulbous snout, large orange eyes without
nictitating membranes, and a capacious mouth with the narrow teeth prominently exposed. It can be distinguished from the similar
smalltooth sand tiger (O. ferox) by its teeth, which have only one lateral cusplet on each side, and by its uniformly dark brown color.
The Atlantic torpedo (Tetronarce nobiliana) is a
species of
electric ray in the
familyTorpedinidae. It is found in the
Atlantic Ocean, from
Nova Scotia to
Brazil in the west and from
Scotland to
West Africa and off
southern Africa in the east, occurring at depths of up to 800 m (2,600 ft), and in the Mediterranean Sea. Younger individuals generally inhabit shallower, sandy or muddy
habitats, whereas adults are more
pelagic in nature and frequent open water. Up to 1.8 m (6 ft) long and weighing 90 kg (200 lb), the Atlantic torpedo is the largest known electric ray. Like other members of its genus, it has an almost circular
pectoral fin disk with a nearly straight leading margin, and a robust tail with a large triangular
caudal fin. Distinctive characteristics include its uniform dark color, smooth-rimmed
spiracles (paired respiratory openings behind the eyes), and two
dorsal fins of unequal size.
Solitary and
nocturnal, the Atlantic torpedo is capable of generating up to 220
volts of
electricity to subdue its prey or defend itself against predators. Its diet consists mainly of
bony fishes, though it also feeds on small
sharks and
crustaceans. It is an
aplacental viviparous species, wherein the developing
embryos are nourished by
yolk and later maternally provided histotroph ("uterine milk"). Females give birth to up to 60 young following a
gestation period of one year. The
electric shock of this species can be quite severe and painful, though it is not fatal. Because of its electrogenic properties, the Atlantic torpedo was used in
medicine by the
Ancient Greeks and
Romans and became the namesake of the
naval weapon. Prior to the 19th century, its
liver oil was used as lamp fuel, but it is no longer of any economic value. The
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed this species as Least Concern; it is
caught unintentionally by
commercial and
recreational fishers, but the impact of these activities on its population is unknown. (Full article...)
Image 7
The common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) is a species of
stingray in the
familyDasyatidae, found in the northeastern
Atlantic Ocean and the
Mediterranean and
Black Seas. It typically inhabits sandy or muddy
habitats in coastal waters shallower than 60 m (200 ft), often burying itself in sediment. Usually measuring 45 cm (18 in) across, the common stingray has a diamond-shaped
pectoral fin disc slightly wider than long, and a whip-like tail with upper and lower fin folds. It can be identified by its plain coloration and mostly smooth skin, except for a row of tubercles along the midline of the back in the largest individuals.
The silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) is a large
species of
requiem shark, in the
familyCarcharhinidae, with a fragmented distribution throughout the
tropicalIndian and
Pacific Oceans. It is often encountered around offshore islands and
coral reefs, and has been known to dive to a depth of 800 m (2,600 ft). The silvertip shark resembles a larger and bulkier
grey reef shark (C. amblyrhynchos), but can be easily identified by the prominent white margins on its fins. It attains a maximum length of 3 m (10 ft).
An aggressive, powerful
apex predator, the silvertip shark feeds on a wide variety of
bony fishes, as well as
eagle rays, smaller sharks, and
cephalopods. This species dominates other requiem sharks of equal size when competing for food, and larger individuals are often heavily scarred from conflicts with others of its species. As with other members of its family, the silvertip shark is
viviparous, with females giving birth to one to 11 pups in the summer. Silvertip sharks are regarded as potentially dangerous to humans, as they often approach divers quite closely. This slow-reproducing species is taken by
commercial fisheries for its meat, fins, skin,
cartilage, and jaws and teeth, which has apparently led to local population declines or
extirpations. (Full article...)
Image 9
The crossback stingaree or banded stingaree (Urolophus cruciatus) is a
species of
stingray in the
familyUrolophidae. It is
endemic to southeastern
Australia, mainly off
Victoria and
Tasmania but also marginally to
New South Wales and
South Australia. This
bottom-dwelling fish generally inhabits sand and reef
habitats deeper than 100 m (330 ft) off Victoria, and muddy habitats in shallow
bays and
estuaries off Tasmania. Befitting its name, the crossback stingaree has a distinctive dark pattern on its back, consisting of a midline stripe that is crossed by three transverse bars. It has an oval
pectoral fin disc with a blunt snout and a skirt-shaped curtain of skin between the nostrils. Its tail is short with no skin fold along the sides, and a deep, leaf-shaped
caudal fin. The youngest rays may have a small
dorsal fin in front of the stinging tail spine. This species reaches 50 cm (20 in) in length.
During the day the crossback stingaree is usually inactive and can be found partially or completely buried in sand on the sea floor. It is a
carnivore and adults forage for
crustaceans,
polychaete worms and other small invertebrates on the seafloor. Juveniles feed on smaller crustaceans such as
isopods, amphipods and shrimps. (Full article...)
Image 10
The Japanese angelshark (Squatina japonica) is a
species of
angelshark,
family Squatinidae, found in the northwestern Pacific Ocean off China, Japan, and Korea. It is a
bottom-dwelling shark found in sandy
habitats down to 300 m (980 ft) deep. This species has the flattened shape with wing-like
pectoral and
pelvic fins typical of its family, and grows to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) or more in length. Its two
dorsal fins are placed behind the pelvic fins, and a row of large thorns occurs along its dorsal midline. Its upper surface is
cryptically patterned, with numerous squarish dark spots on a brown background.
The great northern tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) or golden tile, is the largest species in the family
Malacanthidae (tilefishes). It grows to a length of between 38 and 44 inches (970 and 1,120 mm). The great northern tilefish is a slow-growing and long-lived species that has four stages of life. After hatching from eggs, the larvae are found in
plankton. As they grow into juveniles, the individuals seek shelter until finding or making their own burrows. As adults, the tilefish continue to expand their burrows in the sediment throughout their lives. The diet of the larvae is unknown, but presumed to consist of zooplankton; juveniles and adults feed upon various
benthicinvertebrates,
crustaceans, and fish. After reaching sexual maturity between 5 and 7 years of age, females lay eggs throughout the mating season for the male to fertilize, with each female laying an average of 2.3 million eggs.
The great northern tilefish fishery has been regulated to prevent
overfishing. Regulations include catch limits and gear restrictions to prevent damage to the species' habitat and population. The result of these regulations has been a rebounding of the population, which led to an increase in the 2012 catch limit in the southern part of the
Atlantic seaboard. (Full article...)
Image 12
The sparsely spotted stingaree (Urolophus paucimaculatus), also known as the white-spotted stingaree or Dixon's stingaree, is a
species of
stingray in the
familyUrolophidae, common off the southern
Australian coast. Preferring sandy flats and
seagrass beds, this
benthic ray can be found from close to shore to a depth of at least 150 m (490 ft), and tends to occur deeper in the northern portion of its range. Reaching a length of 57 cm (22 in), this species has a broad, diamond-shaped
pectoral fin disc that is typically plain gray in color above with a V-shaped marking between the eyes. Individuals from southerly waters also generally exhibit a smattering of small, dark-edged white spots. This ray is further characterized by a distinctively bell-shaped curtain of skin between the nostrils. Its tail has a skin fold running along either side and a leaf-shaped
caudal fin, but no
dorsal fin.
Relatively inactive during daytime, the sparsely spotted stingaree preys mainly on
crustaceans, and to a much lesser extent on
polychaete worms and other small benthic organisms. It is
aplacental viviparous, with the mother provisioning her young with histotroph ("uterine milk"). Life history differs between the eastern and western subpopulations: eastern females bear litters of up to six pups with a twelve-month
gestation period, while western females bear litters of only one or two pups with a ten-month gestation period. Also, western rays
mature later and live longer than eastern rays. The
venomous sting of the sparsely spotted stingaree is potentially injurious to humans, and it has been reported to react aggressively if disturbed. The
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed it under
Least Concern, as there is little fishing activity over the majority of its range. (Full article...)
Sharks are a group of
elasmobranch fish characterized by a
cartilaginous skeleton, five to seven
gill slits on the sides of the
head, and
pectoral fins that are not fused to the head. Modern sharks are classified within the
cladeSelachimorpha (or Selachii) and are the
sister group to the
Batoidea (
rays and kin). Some sources extend the term "shark" as an informal category including extinct members of
Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish) with a shark-like morphology, such as
hybodonts. Shark-like chondrichthyans such as Cladoselache and Doliodus first appeared in the
Devonian Period (419–359 million years), though some fossilized chondrichthyan-like scales are as old as the
Late Ordovician (458–444 million years ago). The oldest confirmed modern sharks (selachimorphs) are known from the
Early Jurassic, about 200 million years ago, though records of true sharks may extend back as far as the
Permian.
Sharks range in size from the small
dwarf lanternshark (Etmopterus perryi), a deep sea species that is only 17 centimetres (6.7 in) in length, to the
whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish in the world, which reaches approximately 12 metres (40 ft) in length. They are found in all seas and are common to depths up to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). They generally do not live in freshwater, although there are a few known exceptions, such as the
bull shark and the
river shark, which can be found in both seawater and freshwater. Sharks have a covering of
dermal denticles that protects their skin from damage and
parasites in addition to improving their
fluid dynamics. They have numerous sets of replaceable teeth. (Full article...)
Image 14
Roughtail stingray (Bathytoshia centroura) at McGrail Bank, Gulf of Mexico
The roughtail stingray (Bathytoshia centroura) is a
species of
stingray in the
familyDasyatidae, with separate populations in coastal waters of the northwestern and southwestern
Atlantic Ocean. This
bottom-dwelling species typically inhabits sandy or muddy areas with patches of
invertebrate cover, at a depth of 15–50 m (49–164 ft). It is seasonally
migratory, overwintering in offshore waters and moving into coastal
habitats for summer. The largest whip-tail stingray in the Atlantic, the roughtail stingray grows up to 2.6 m (8.5 ft) across and 360 kg (800 lb) in weight. It is plain in color, with an angular, diamond-shaped
pectoral fin disc and a long, whip-like tail bearing a subtle fin fold underneath. The many thorns on its back and tail serve to distinguish it from other stingrays that share its
range.
The Portuguese dogfish (Centroscymnus coelolepis) or Portuguese shark, is a
species of
sleeper shark of the
familySomniosidae. This globally distributed species has been reported down to a depth of 3,675 m (12,057 ft), making it the deepest-living shark known. It inhabits lower
continental slopes and
abyssal plains, usually staying near the bottom. Stocky and dark brown in color, the Portuguese dogfish can be distinguished from similar-looking species (such as the
kitefin shark, Dalatias licha) by the small spines in front of its
dorsal fins. Its
dermal denticles are also unusual, resembling the
scales of a
bony fish. This species typically reaches 0.9–1 m (3.0–3.3 ft) in length; sharks in the
Mediterranean Sea are much smaller and have distinct depth and food preferences.
The Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) is a large Australian predatory freshwater
fish of the genus Maccullochella in the family
Percichthyidae. Although the species is called a
cod in the
vernacular, it is not related to the Northern Hemisphere marine cod (Gadus) species. The Murray cod is an important part of Australia's
vertebrate wildlife—
as an apex predator in the
Murray-Darling River system—and also
significant in Australia's human culture. The Murray cod is the largest exclusively freshwater fish in Australia, and one of the largest in the world. Other common names for Murray cod include cod, greenfish, goodoo, Mary River cod, Murray perch, ponde, pondi and Queensland freshwater cod.
The scientific name of Murray cod derives from an early Australian fish researcher
Allan Riverstone McCulloch and the river from which the explorer
Major Mitchell first scientifically described the species, the
Peel River. This was for a number of years changed to M. peelii peelii to differentiate Murray cod from
Mary River cod, which were designated as a
subspecies of Murray cod. However, as of 2010, Mary River cod have been raised to full species status (M. mariensis), thus Murray cod have reverted simply to M. peelii. (Full article...)
Image 5Areas of upwelling in red (from Pelagic fish)
Image 6Most of the rest of the mesopelagic fishes are ambush predators, such as this
sabertooth fish. The sabertooth uses its telescopic, upward-pointing eyes to pick out prey silhouetted against the gloom above. Their recurved teeth prevent a captured fish from backing out. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 7An annotated diagram of the basic external features of an
abyssal grenadier and standard length measurements. (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 14Red snapper, are generalized reef feeders with standard jaw and mouth structures that allow them to eat almost anything, though they prefer small fish and
crustaceans. (from Coral reef fish)
Image 26Areas of upwelling in red (from Coastal fish)
Image 27The
humpback anglerfish is a bathypelagic ambush predator, which attracts prey with a bioluminescent lure. It can ingest prey larger than itself, which it swallows with an inrush of water when it opens its mouth. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 30The
daggertooth paralyses other mesopelagic fish when it bites them with its dagger-like teeth (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 31Surgeonfish are among the most common of coral reef
herbivores, often feeding in
shoals. This may be a mechanism for overwhelming the highly aggressive defence responses of small territorial
damselfishes that vigorously guard small patches of algae on coral reefs. (from Coral reef fish)
Image 36Coral reefs support flourishing ecosystems,
paradoxically in clear, low nutrient waters, along tropical continental coasts and around volcanic islands.
Coral reef fish are numerous and diverse. (from Coastal fish)
Image 37Humans seldom encounter
frilled sharks alive, so they pose little danger (though scientists have accidentally cut themselves examining their teeth). (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 38World distribution of plankton (from Coastal fish)
Image 39
The global continental shelf, highlighted in light blue
Image 40Pacific decadal anomalies – April 2008 (from Pelagic fish)
Image 41Many
bristlemouth species, such as the "spark anglemouth" above, are also bathypelagic ambush predators that can swallow prey larger than themselves. They are among the most abundant of all vertebrate families. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 43Most mesopelagic fishes are small filter feeders that ascend at night to feed in the nutrient rich waters of the epipelagic zone. During the day, they return to the dark, cold, oxygen-deficient waters of the mesopelagic where they are relatively safe from predators.
Lanternfish account for as much as 65% of all deep sea fish
biomass and are largely responsible for the
deep scattering layer of the world's oceans. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 44Lanternfish are partial residents of the ocean epipelagic zone During the day they hide in deep waters, but at night they migrate up to surface waters to feed. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 46Young, red
flabby whalefish make nightly vertical migrations into the lower mesopelagic zone to feed on
copepods. When males mature into adults, they develop a massive liver and then their jaws fuse shut. They no longer eat, but continue to metabolise the energy stored in their liver. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 51The giant
whale shark, another resident of the ocean epipelagic zone, filter feeds on
plankton, and periodically dives deep into the mesopelagic zone. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 53The
stargazer is an
ambush predator which can deliver both venom and electric shocks. It has been called "the meanest thing in creation". (from Coastal fish)
Image 57The
great hammerhead detects the electrical signatures of stingrays buried in the sand and pins them with its "hammer". (from Demersal fish)
Image 58Oceanic fish inhabit the
oceanic zone, which is the deep open water which lies beyond the continental shelves. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 59The
stoplight loosejaw is also one of the few fishes that produce red
bioluminescence. As most of their prey cannot perceive red light, this allows it to hunt with an essentially invisible beam of light. (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 61Long-snouted lancetfish. Lancetfish are ambush predators which spend all their time in the mesopelagic zone. They are among the largest mesopelagic fishes (up to 2 m). (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 62Some flatfish can camouflage themselves on the ocean floor (from Demersal fish)
Image 63The huge
ocean sunfish, a true resident of the ocean epipelagic zone, sometimes drifts with the current, eating
jellyfish. (from Pelagic fish)
Image 73In the foreground is an
orange-lined triggerfish displaying spines.
Triggerfish have mouths that crush shells. Orange-lined triggerfish are particularly aggressive. The black and white fish are
three-stripe damselfish and the unstriped fish are
blue-green chromis damselfish. If the triggerfish attacks, the damselfish will hide in the nearby
cauliflower coral. If the triggerfish wants to hide, it will squeeze into a coral crevice and lock itself in place with its spines. (from Coral reef fish)
Image 74The
stoplight loosejaw has a
lower jaw one-quarter as long as its body. The jaw has no floor and is attached only by a hinge and a modified tongue bone. Large fang-like teeth in the front are followed by many small barbed teeth. (from Deep-sea fish)
Image 75Cod-like fishes, like this
morid cod have a
barbel (fleshy filament) on their lower jaw which they use to detect prey buried in the sand or mud. (from Coastal fish)
Image 81Shortfin mako shark make long seasonal migrations. They appear to follow temperature gradients, and have been recorded travelling more than 4,500 km in one year. (from Pelagic fish)
In
American English, the name gar (or garpike) is strictly applied to members of the Lepisosteidae, a family including seven living species of fish in two genera that inhabit fresh, brackish, and occasionally marine, waters of eastern
North America,
Central America, and the
Caribbean islands.
Koi are ornamental domesticated varieties of the
common carpCyprinus carpio, originated from
China and widely spread in
Japan. They are very closely related to
goldfish. The word "koi" comes from
Japanese meaning "
carp".
The spotted trunkfish (Lactophrys bicaudalis) is a species of
ray-finned fish in the family
Ostraciidae, native to the
Caribbean Sea and parts of the western Atlantic Ocean. Members of this family are known as boxfishes because they have a hard outer covering consisting of hexagonal, plate-like scales fused together into a solid, triangular or box-like
carapace. Because of this casing, the body of the spotted trunkfish is not flexible, and locomotion is normally limited to slow movements performed by rippling its
dorsal and
anal fins and gently beating its
pectoral fins. If faster motion is required, it can additionally use its
caudal fin for propulsion. This spotted trunkfish was photographed at a depth of about 40 ft (12 m) at Bari Reef,
Bonaire.
The giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus), shown here with a school of
golden trevally, is the largest
bony fish found in
coral reefs, and the aquatic emblem of
Queensland, Australia. The species can grow as large as 2.7 meters (9 ft) long, weighing up to 400 kg (880 lb). They are fairly common in shallow waters and feed on a variety of marine life, including small
sharks and juvenile
sea turtles.
The leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is a species of
hound shark found along the
Pacific coast of
North America from the U.S. state of
Oregon to
Mazatlán in Mexico. Typically measuring 1.2–1.5 m (3.9–4.9 ft) long, this slender-bodied shark is characterized by black saddle-like markings and large spots over its back.
The round ribbontail ray (Taeniura meyeni) is a species of stingray in the family
Dasyatidae, found throughout the nearshore waters of the tropical
Indo-Pacific region. Reaching 1.8 m (6 ft) across, this large ray is characterized by a thick, rounded pectoral fin disc covered by small
tubercles on top, and a relatively short tail bearing a single venomous spine. The ray is well-camouflaged when lying on the seabed; it is largely nocturnal, and preys on
molluscs,
crustaceans and
bony fish. Mature females bear litters of up to seven pups, which are fed during gestation on "uterine milk", a product secreted by the walls of the
oviduct. This round ribbontail ray was photographed in
Lakshadweep, India.
The orbicular batfish (Platax orbicularis) is a
batfish endemic to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has a thin, disc-shaped body, and male can grow up to 50 centimetres (20 in) in length. In the wild, the orbicular batfish lives in
brackish or marine waters, usually around reefs, at depths from 5 to 30 metres (20 to 100 ft). It is also a popular aquarium fish, although captive specimens generally do not grow as long as wild ones.
An Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
egg hatching. The
Alevin (larva) has grown around the remains of the
yolk sac - visible are the
arteries spinning around the
yolk and little oildrops, also the
gut, the
spine, the main
caudalblood vessel, the
bladder and the arcs of the
gills. In about 24 hours it will be a fry without yolk sac.
A sketch of a longnose sawshark (Pristiophorus cirratus), a species of
sawshark found in the eastern Indian Ocean around southern Australia on the
continental shelf at depths of between 40 and 310 m (130 and 1,020 ft). It is a medium-sized shark with a saw-like flattened snout which measures up to thirty percent of its body size.
Bryaninops yongei is a
benthic species of
goby widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the
Indian Ocean; it is commonly found living in and around coral. Although this species was discovered in 1906, its ability to propel itself quickly to escape predators makes it difficult to study.
People jigging—
fishing with a type of
lure known as a "jig"—for
squid in
Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. A jig consists of a lead sinker with a hook molded into it and usually covered by a soft body to attract fish. Jigs are intended to create a jerky, vertical motion, as opposed to
spinnerbaits which move through the water horizontally.
The flying gurnard is a fish of
tropical to warm temperate waters on both sides of the
Atlantic Ocean. When excited, it spreads its "wings", semi-transparent appendages tipped with a phosphorescent bright blue coloration which are used to frighten predators.
A discus (Symphysodon discus) is guarding its eggs. As for most
cichlids, brood care is highly developed with both the parents caring for the young. Additionally, adult discus produce a
secretion through their skin, off which the
larvae live during their first few days.
Mudskippers, such as this Periophthalmodon septemradiatus, are uniquely adapted to a completely amphibious lifestyle. They are active when out of water, feeding and interacting with one another, as well as defending their territories.
The mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus, not to be confused with the similarly named
mandarin fish) is a small (~6 cm or 2.4 in), brightly-colored member of the
dragonet family, popular in the saltwater
aquarium trade. The mandarinfish is native to the Western
Pacific, ranging approximately from the
Ryukyu Islands south to
Australia.
A plate with
fossils of Pseudostacus sp. (lobster, left) and Diplomystus birdii (fish, right), from the
Hakel paleontological formation in Lebanon. The paleontological sites of Lebanon contain deposits of some of the best-preserved fossils in the world, and include some species found nowhere else. The most famous of these is the Lebanese
lagerstätten of the Late
Cretaceous age.
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