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Katy Fisher
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Saltwater/Marine Species #1
Bat RayMyliobatis californica
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Chondrichthyes Order: MyliobatiformesFamily: Myliobatidae
Geography and Habitat: The Bat ray is found in muddy or sandy sloughs, estuaries, bays, and kelp beds in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This species can also be found in the Galápagos Islands.
How they feed:Bat rays use their pectoral fins to move sand. This helps them to find mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Their teeth are flat and are tightly packed into rows that are for crushing and grinding prey.
Body Form:The Bat ray is a distant relative of the shark. Its body is somewhat triangular shaped, with wing-like pectoral fins. This species has a venomous spine in its tail, and only uses it when attacked or frightened.
Swim Style:Bat rays swim gracefully, flapping their pectoral fins like a bird. This helps them move with ease in order to find prey.Mouth Position: subterminal, inferior
Saltwater/Marine Species #2
Hawkfish AnthiasSerranocirrhitus latus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Serranidae
Geography and Habitat: The Hawkfish anthias is found in coral reefs in the West Pacific, from Indonesia to Southern Japan and Tonga.
How they feed:Hawkfish usually perch themselves on rock or coral and stay super still. Then, they dart out quickly to grab prey.
Body Form:
The Hawkfish anthias is very small in size, growing up to 13 centimeters in length. Its dorsal fin fans out along its back.
Swim Style:
The Hawkfish anthias is a quick species that uses its fins to dart quickly to avoid predators and to catch prey.Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #3
Pinkbar GobyAmblyeleotris aurora
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Pinkbar gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The PInkbar goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The Pinkbar goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #4
Great White SharkCarcharodon carcharias
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Chondrichthyes Order: LamniformesFamily: Lamnidae
Geography and Habitat:Great whites can be found in the coastal surface waters of all the major oceans. There are greater amounts of great white sharks in the United States, South Africa, Japan, Oceania, Chile, and the Mediterranean. Most of shark research is done in Dyer Island, South Africa, where one of the densest populations of these sharks are found. How they feed:Great white sharks are carnivorous. They prey on fish, sea turtles, sea otters, and sea birds. They are ambush hunters, and attack most of their prey at the surface of the water. The carcass is then dragged to the bottom and eaten.
Body Form:The great white has a robust, large, conical snout. Their skin displays countershading and their bone structure is actually made of cartilage.
Swim Style:This species swims upright at fast speeds. Since the great white can never rest, it is constantly moving.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #5
Ocean SunfishMola mola
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: TetraodontiformesFamily: Molidae
Geography and Habitat:Ocean sunfish can be found in tropical and temperate water around the world. They mainly stay in the depths of the ocean except when they swim to the surface to have parasites removed by other fish. How they feed:A sunfish’s diet mainly consists of jellyfish. They consume large amounts to maintain their bulkiness. They might also eat salps, squid, crustaceans, small fish, fish larvae, and eel grass.
Body Form:The sunfish has quite a unique body shape. The caudal fin is replaced by a rounded clavus. The body is oval shaped and the pectoral fins are small and fan shaped. Male sunfish can reach up to 14 feet across the fins.
Swim Style:This species swims upright with its dorsal and anal fins vertical. However, they tend to sometimes bask horizontally.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #6
Humpback Anglerfish
Melanocetus johnsonii
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: LophiiformesFamily: Molidae
Geography and Habitat:The humpback anglerfish can be found in the deep seas of tropical to temperature waters at depths of up to 6,600 feet. How they feed:Humpback anglerfish use their luminescent organ, called the esca, to lure prey in the dark environment in which they dwell. They barely use any energy when feeding by using the lie and wait method.
Body Form:The humpback angler fish has a large, round body with two pectoral fins that are located on the sides of the fish. They have huge heads with mouths that hold a fanglike set of teeth. Their esca extends in front of their mouth. While the female anglerfish can grow up to 3 feet in length, the males are much smaller.
Swim Style:This species swims upright and has an upward facing mouth.
Mouth Position: superior
Saltwater/Marine Species #7
Nurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Chondrithyes Order: Orectolobiformes Family: Molidae
Geography and Habitat:Nurse sharks are bottom dwelling sharks. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters on the continental and insular shelves. They live in reefs, channels bewtween mangrove islands and sand flats. How they feed:Nurse sharks feed at night. They spend a lot of their time rifling through the bottom sediments in search of food. They eat mainly crustaceans, molluscs, tunicates, sea snakes, and other fish including sting rays.
Body Form:Nurse sharks are fairly flat so that they can move easily along the ocean floor.
Swim Style:This species swims upright with its dorsal fin vertical. It swims faster at night to catch prey, but during the day they are inactive and prefer to rest in groups of up to 40 individuals.
Mouth Position: sub terminal, inferior
Saltwater/Marine Species #8
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Moronidae
Geography and Habitat:Striped bass are native to the Atlantic coastline of North America from the St. Lawrence River to the Gulf of Mexico to Louisiana. How they feed:Striped bass are very quick and usually feed on small fines such as sardines and minnows
Body Form:Striped bass have a silvery body marked with dark stripes running from the gills to the base of the tail. The maximum weight that has been scientifically recorded is 125 pounds. The common size of this species is about 3.9 feet.
Swim Style:Striped Bass swim upright and can move very quickly.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #9
Tiger shark
Galeocerdo cuvier
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Chondrichthyes Order: Carchariniformes Family: Carcharhinidae
Geography and Habitat:The tiger shark is often found close to the coast, mainly in tropical and subtropical waters throughout the world. It is found in many tropical and temperate waters, and it is especially common around central Pacific islands.How they feed:Tiger sharks engage in relatively few fast chases after prey. This may be indicative of vigilant prey, in which case it is unsurprising that the sharks would not pursue as stealth is their primary predatory method.
Body Form:9-13 ft. with a dorsal and posterior fin, as well as fins on the side. The skin of a tiger shark typically ranges from blue to light green with a white or yellow underbelly.
Swim Style:Tiger sharks swim upright and can move very quickly.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #10
Shortfin mako shark
Isurus oxyrinchus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Chondrichthyes Order: LamniformesFamily: Lamnidae
Geography and Habitat:The shortfin mako inhabits offshore temperate and tropical seas worldwide.How they feed:The shortfin mako feeds mainly upon cephalopods, bony fishes including mackerels, tunas, bonitos, and swordfish, but it may also eat other sharks, porpoises, sea turtles, and seabirds. They hunt by lunging vertically up and tearing off chunks of their preys' flanks and fins. Makos swim below their prey, so they can see what is above and have a high probability of reaching prey before it notices.
Body Form:The Shortfin Mako is cylindrical in shape, with a vertically-elongated tail that assists its highly hydrodynamic lifestyle. This species' color is brilliant metallic blue dorsally and white ventrally, although coloration varies as the shark ages and increases in size.
Swim Style: Shortfin makos swim upright and can take off at fast speeds. However, they are incapable of sitting still in the water, so they often have to circle their prey.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #11
Swordfish
Xiphias gladius
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Chondrichthyes Order: Perciformes Family: Xiphiidae
Geography and Habitat:These fish are found widely in tropical and temperate parts of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and can typically be found from near the surface to a depth of 550 m (1,800 ft).How they feed:Adults feed on a wide range of pelagic fish, such as mackerel, barracudinas, silver hake, rockfish, herring,
and lanternfishes, but they also take demersal fish, squid, and crustaceans. In the northwestern Atlantic, a survey based on the stomach content of 168 individuals found 82% had eaten squid and 53% had eaten
fish, including gadids, scombrids, butterfish, bluefish, and sand lance. Large prey are typically slashed with the sword, while small are swallowed whole.
Body Form:This species has a large dorsal fin and a large sword-like mouth in which they use to slash at its prey to injure the prey animal.
Swim Style: Swordfish swim upright and can move very quickly.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #13
Yellow clown gobyGobiodon okinawae
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Clown gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The Clown goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The clown goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #14
Monkey gobyNeogobius fluviatilis
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: The monkey goby can be found in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It is an invasive species in Europe. How they feed:Monkey goby feed on molluscs and shrimp.
Body Form:
The monkey goby has cycloid scales and can grow up to 7-10 centimeters.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #15
Candy striped gobyAwaous strigatus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Candy striped gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The candy striped goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The candy striped goby can grow to be 4 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #16
Yellow rose gobyStonogobiops nematodes
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Yellow rose gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The yellow rose goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The yellow rose goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #17
Diamond watchman gobyValenciennea puellaris
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Diamond gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The diamond goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The diamond goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #18
Panda clown gobyParagobius lacunicolus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Panda clown gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The panda clown goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The panda clown goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #19
Flaming prawn gobyDiscordipinna griessingeri
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Flaming prawn gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The flaming prawn goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The flaming prawn goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #20
Purple firefish gobyNemateleotris decora
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Purple firefish gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The purple firefish goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The purple firefish goby can grow to be 2.5-3.5 inches in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #21
Suntail gobyAmblyeleotris aurora
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Suntail gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The suntail goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The suntail goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #22
Bumblebee GobyBrachygobius doriae
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Bumblebee gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. It does not tolerate intrusion in its territory.How they feed:The bumblebee goby feeds on small fish and tubifex worms, bloodworms, and brine shrimp often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The bumblebee goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #23
Black gobyAmblyeleotris aurora
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Black gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The black goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The black goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #21
Suntail gobyAmblyeleotris aurora
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Suntail gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The suntail goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The suntail goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #24
Black-ray gobyStonogobiops nematodes
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Black-ray gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The black-ray goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The black-ray goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #25
Yasha white ray shrimp gobyStonogobiops yasha
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Yasha gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The yasha goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The yasha goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #26
Neon cleaner gobyE. oceanops
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Neon gobies live in the reefs of the western Atlantic Ocean at depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The neon goby feeds on ectoparasites, They consume algae and other plants as a secondary food source. They dart quickly to catch prey.
Body Form:
The neon goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long anal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #27
Sharknose gobyGobiosoma evelynae
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Sharknose gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The sharknose goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The sharknose goby can grow to be 1.5 inches in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #28
Tiger watchman gobyPseudogobiopsis tigrellus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: TIger gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The tiger goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The tiger goby can grow to be 2.3 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #29
White tiger gobyPriolepis nocturna
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Tiger gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The tiger goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The tiger goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #30
Steinitz’s gobyGammogobius steinitzi
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Steinitz’s gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The steinitz’s goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The steinitz’s goby can grow to be 11 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #31
Transparent gobyAphia minuta
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Transparent gobies live in the reefs of the western Atlantgic Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The transparent goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The transparent goby can grow to be 7.9 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #32
Engineer gobyPholidichthys leucotaenia
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Engineer gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The engineer goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The engineer goby can grow to be 18 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its snake-like form allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #33
Mandarin gobySynchiropus splendidus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Mandarin gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The mandarin goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The mandarin goby can grow to be 1.5-2 inches in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its fins allow it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #34
Diamond gobyValenciennea puellaris
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Diamond gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The diamond goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The diamond goby can grow to be 6 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #35
Violet gobyGobioides broussonnetii
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Violet gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The violet goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The violet goby can grow to be 38 centimeters in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: superior
Saltwater/Marine Species #36
Blue Dragon gobyGobioides broussonnetii
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Blue dragon gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The blue dragon goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The blue dragon goby can grow to be 1.5 inches in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: superior
Saltwater/Marine Species #37
Green coral gobyGobiodon histrio
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Green coral gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The green coral goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The green coral goby can grow to be 1.4 inches in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #38
Flashing tile gobyHoplolatilus chlupatyi
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Flashing tile gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The flashing tile goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The flashing tile goby can grow to be .25 inches in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #39
Circus gobyPriolepis nocturna
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: Circus gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The circus goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The circus goby can grow to be 1.5 inches in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its fins allow it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Saltwater/Marine Species #40
White sleeper gobyValenciennea sexguttata
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: PerciformesFamily: Gobiidae
Geography and Habitat: White sleeper gobies live in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean a depths from 16 to 130 feet. However, they can be found all over the world in tropical waters. They often live inside the bodies or burrows of invertebrates. How they feed:The white sleeper goby feeds on small fish and plankton, often by hiding in burrows until their prey swims by and they can dart out to catch it. They also feed on coral by using their molars to crush the coral and extract beneficial calcium.
Body Form:
The white sleeper goby can grow to be 1.5 inches in length. It has a long body and is a close relative of the shrimp.
Swim Style:
Its long dorsal fin allows it to move quickly upright through the ocean current. However, because of their bright colors and non-aggressiveness, gobies are important and easy prey for predators.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #41
Lake sturgeonValenciennea sexguttata
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: This species occurs in the Mississippi River drainage basin south to Alabama and Mississippi. It occurs in the Great Lakes and east down the St. Lawrence River to the limits of fresh water. In the west it reaches Lake Winnipeg and the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. In the north it is found in the Hudson Bay Lowland.How they feed:The lake sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
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Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #42
Shortnose sturgeonAcipenser brevirostrum
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: This species occurs in the Mississippi River drainage basin south to Alabama and Mississippi. It occurs in the Great Lakes and east down the St. Lawrence River to the limits of fresh water. In the west it reaches Lake Winnipeg and the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. In the north it is found in the Hudson Bay Lowland.How they feed:The shortnose sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae and other small organisms.
Body Form:They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #43
Green sturgeonAcipenser medirostris
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: This species occurs in the Mississippi River drainage basin south to Alabama and Mississippi. It occurs in the Great Lakes and east down the St. Lawrence River to the limits of fresh water. In the west it reaches Lake Winnipeg and the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. In the north it is found in the Hudson Bay Lowland.How they feed:The green sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
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Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #4
White sturgeon4Acipenser transmontanus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: The white sturgeon lives on the bottom of slow-moving rivers, bays, and estuarine areas, including the brackish water at the mouths of large rivers. Other sturgeon will spend most of its time in a marine environment, only coming into rivers to spawn. They are well-adapted to finding food drifting by with their excellent sense of smell and taste. When there is an insufficient food supply, sturgeon have been known to move into shallow water
How they feed:The white sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
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Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #45
Dwarf sturgeonPseudoscaphirhynchus hermanni
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: The dwarf sturgeon can be found in areas of Asia, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Amu Darya river, and the Syr Darya river. How they feed:The dwarf sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
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Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #46
Kaluga sturgeonHuso dauricus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat:
This species occurs in the Mississippi River drainage basin south to Alabama and Mississippi. It occurs in the Great Lakes and east down the St. Lawrence River to the limits of fresh water. In the west it reaches Lake Winnipeg and the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. In the north it is found in the Hudson Bay Lowland.How they feed:The kaluga sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #47
Beluga sturgeonValenciennea sexguttata
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: This species occurs in the Mississippi River drainage basin south to Alabama and Mississippi. It occurs in the Great Lakes and east down the St. Lawrence River to the limits of fresh water. In the west it reaches Lake Winnipeg and the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. In the north it is found in the Hudson Bay Lowland.How they feed:The beluga sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
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Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #48
Starry sturgeon (endangered)Acipenser stellatus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: This species occurs in the Mississippi River drainage basin south to Alabama and Mississippi. It occurs in the Great Lakes and east down the St. Lawrence River to the limits of fresh water. In the west it reaches Lake Winnipeg and the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. In the north it is found in the Hudson Bay Lowland.How they feed:The starry sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
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Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #49
Alabama sturgeon Scaphirhynchus suttkusi
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: This species occurs in the Mississippi River drainage basin south to Alabama and Mississippi. It occurs in the Great Lakes and east down the St. Lawrence River to the limits of fresh water. In the west it reaches Lake Winnipeg and the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. In the north it is found in the Hudson Bay Lowland.How they feed:The alabama sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
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Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #50
Amur (Japanese) sturgeon Acipenser schrenckii
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: This species occurs in the Mississippi River drainage basin south to Alabama and Mississippi. It occurs in the Great Lakes and east down the St. Lawrence River to the limits of fresh water. In the west it reaches Lake Winnipeg and the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. In the north it is found in the Hudson Bay Lowland.How they feed:The amur sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #51
Bastard sturgeon Acipenser nudiventris
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: Its range is now primarily limited to the Ural River (in Russia and Kazakhstan), with a possible relict populations in the Rioni River in Georgia and the Safid Rud in IranHow they feed:The bastard sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #52
Syr Darya sturgeon (critically endangered) Pseudoscaphirhynchus fedtschenkoi
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: It is found in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan and is currently critically endangered.How they feed:The Syr Darya sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #53
Amu Darya sturgeon Pseudoscaphirhynchus kaufmanni
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: It is found in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.How they feed:The Amu Darya sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Freshwater Species #54
Sakhalin sturgeon Acipenser mikadoi
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: The Sakhalin sturgeon is commonly found in the areas of Northwest Pacific, Bering Sea, Tumnin or Datta river, northern Japan, and Korea. This species currently spawns persistently in the Tumnin RiverHow they feed:The Sakhalin sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Freshwater Species #55
Russian sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedtii
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: It is found in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine.How they feed:The russian sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #56
Dabry’s sturgeon (critically endangered)Acipenser dabryanus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat:The fish lives in slow-moving river waters over substrates of sand and mud. How they feed:The Dabry’s sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms (including leeches), and other small organisms.
Body Form:
They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #57
Pallid sturgeon (endangered)Scaphirhynchus albus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: This species occurs in the Mississippi River drainage basin south to Alabama and Mississippi. It occurs in the Great Lakes and east down the St. Lawrence River to the limits of fresh water. In the west it reaches Lake Winnipeg and the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. In the north it is found in the Hudson Bay Lowland.How they feed:The Pallid sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae and other small organisms.
Body Form:They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #58
Wisconsin River sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: AcipenseriformesFamily: Acipenseridae
Geography and Habitat: This species occurs in the Mississippi River drainage basin south to Alabama and Mississippi. It occurs in the Great Lakes and east down the St. Lawrence River to the limits of fresh water. In the west it reaches Lake Winnipeg and the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. In the north it is found in the Hudson Bay Lowland.How they feed:The Wisconsin River sturgeon has taste buds on and around its barbels near its rubbery, prehensile lips. It extends its lips to vacuum up soft live food which it swallows whole due to its lack of teeth. Its diet consists of insect larvae and other small organisms.
Body Form:They are primarily cartilaginous, lack vertebral centra, and are partially covered with bony plates called scutes rather than scales. They also have four barbels—tactile organs that precede their toothless mouth and are dragged along often murky river bottoms. Sturgeon are distinctly and immediately recognizable for their elongated bodies, flattened rostra, distinctive scutes and barbels, and elongated upper tail lobes.
Swim Style: These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #59
Silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: CypriniformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: This species is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. It can really be found in any part of the world; it is used as a food source and it is also an ornamental fish. Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments.How they feed:They are omnivorous. They can eat an herbivorous diet of water plants, but prefer to scavenge the bottom for insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), crawfish, and benthic worms.
Body Form:
Carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: subterminal
Freshwater Species #60
Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii CypriniformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: This species is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. It can really be found in any part of the world; it is used as a food source and it is also an ornamental fish. Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments.How they feed:They are omnivorous. They can eat an herbivorous diet of water plants, but prefer to scavenge the bottom for insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), crawfish, and benthic worms.
Body Form:
Carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #61
Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii CypriniformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: This species is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. It can really be found in any part of the world; it is used as a food source and it is also an ornamental fish. Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments.How they feed:They are omnivorous. They can eat an herbivorous diet of water plants, but prefer to scavenge the bottom for insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), crawfish, and benthic worms.
Body Form:
Carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #62
Crucian carp Carassius cara
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii CypriniformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: This species is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. It can really be found in any part of the world; it is used as a food source and it is also an ornamental fish. Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments.How they feed:They are omnivorous. They can eat an herbivorous diet of water plants, but prefer to scavenge the bottom for insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), crawfish, and benthic worms.
Body Form:
Carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #63
Catla carp Cyprinus catla
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii CypriniformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: This species is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. It can really be found in any part of the world; it is used as a food source and it is also an ornamental fish. Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments.How they feed:They are omnivorous. They can eat an herbivorous diet of water plants, but prefer to scavenge the bottom for insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), crawfish, and benthic worms.
Body Form:
Carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #64
Mrigal carp Cirrhinus cirrhosus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii CypriniformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: This species is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. It can really be found in any part of the world; it is used as a food source and it is also an ornamental fish. Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments.How they feed:They are omnivorous. They can eat an herbivorous diet of water plants, but prefer to scavenge the bottom for insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), crawfish, and benthic worms.
Body Form:
Carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #65
Black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii CypriniformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: This species is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. It can really be found in any part of the world; it is used as a food source and it is also an ornamental fish. Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments.How they feed:They are omnivorous. They can eat an herbivorous diet of water plants, but prefer to scavenge the bottom for insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), crawfish, and benthic worms.
Body Form:
Carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #66
Mud carp Cirrhinus molitorella
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii CypriniformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: This species is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. It can really be found in any part of the world; it is used as a food source and it is also an ornamental fish. Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments.How they feed:They are omnivorous. They can eat an herbivorous diet of water plants, but prefer to scavenge the bottom for insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), crawfish, and benthic worms.
Body Form:
Carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #67
Hora white carp Cirrhinus macrops
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii CypriniformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: This species is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. It can really be found in any part of the world; it is used as a food source and it is also an ornamental fish. Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments.How they feed:They are omnivorous. They can eat an herbivorous diet of water plants, but prefer to scavenge the bottom for insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), crawfish, and benthic worms.
Body Form:
Carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #68
Mirror carp Cyprinus carpio carpio
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii CypriniformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: This species is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. It can really be found in any part of the world; it is used as a food source and it is also an ornamental fish. Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments.How they feed:They are omnivorous. They can eat an herbivorous diet of water plants, but prefer to scavenge the bottom for insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), crawfish, and benthic worms.
Body Form:
Carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #69
Common carp Cyprinus carpio
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii CypriniformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: This species is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. It can really be found in any part of the world; it is used as a food source and it is also an ornamental fish. Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments.How they feed:They are omnivorous. They can eat an herbivorous diet of water plants, but prefer to scavenge the bottom for insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), crawfish, and benthic worms.
Body Form:
Carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth.
Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #70
Channel catfish Cyprinus carpio
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: sub terminal
Freshwater Species #70
Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: sub terminal
Freshwater Species #71
Yellow catfish Ameiurus natalis
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #72
Mekong catfishPangasianodon gigas
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #73
Hardhead catfishAriopsis felis
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: sub terminal
Freshwater Species #74
Mud catfishAmeiurus nebulosus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: sub terminal
Freshwater Species #75
Flathead catfishPylodictis olivaris
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: sub terminal
Freshwater Species #76
Wels catfishSilurus glanis
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: terminal
Freshwater Species #77
Redtail catfish Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: sub terminal
Freshwater Species #78
Goonch catfishBagarius yarrelli
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: sub terminal
Freshwater Species #79
Paraiba catfishB. filamentosum
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: sub terminal
Freshwater Species #80
Brown Bullhead catfishAmeiurus nebulosus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: sub terminal
Freshwater Species #81
Black Bullhead catfishAmeiurus melas
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: SiluriformesFamily: Cyprinidae
Geography and Habitat: Catfish live inland or in coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica. Catfish have inhabited all continents at one time or another. Catfish are most diverse in tropical South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. More than half of all catfish species live in the Americas. They are the only ostariophysans that have entered freshwater habitats in Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea.How they feed:This species is a bottom dweller, often feeding on scraps. They are nocturnal, so they hunt at night.
Body Form:
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding.Swim Style:
These fish swim upright and can move very quickly, using their posterior fins to propel themselves through the water.
Mouth Position: sub terminal
Saltwater Invertebrates Species #82
Elelphant ear spongeAgelas clathrodes
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PoriferaClass:Demospongiae Order: AgilasidaFamily: Agilasidae
Geography and Habitat: Sponges are worldwide in their distribution, from the Polar Regions to the tropics. Most live in quiet, clear waters, because sediment stirred up by waves or currents would block their pores, making it difficult for them to feed and breathe. The greatest numbers of sponges are usually found on firm surfaces such as rocks, but some sponges can attach themselves to soft sediment by means of a root-like base.Sponges are more abundant but less diverse in temperate waters than in tropical waters, possibly because organisms that prey on sponges are more abundant in tropical waters.How they feed:Sponges absorb their food by their little holes in the sponge. Because most adult sponges can't travel in search of food they get their food by a process called filter feeding.
Body Form:
A sponge's body is hollow and is held in shape by the mesohyl, a jelly-like substance made mainly of collagen and reinforced by a dense network of fibers also made of collagen. The inner surface is covered with choanocytes, cells with cylindrical or conical collars surrounding one flagellum per choanocyte. The wave-like motion of the whip-like flagella drives water through the sponge's body.
Swim Style:
They float in the water but they don’t necessarily swim.
Mouth Position: pores all over their body
Saltwater Invertebrates Species #83
Stove pipe spongeAplysina archeri
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PoriferaClass:Demospongiae Order: AgilasidaFamily: Agilasidae
Geography and Habitat: Sponges are worldwide in their distribution, from the Polar Regions to the tropics. Most live in quiet, clear waters, because sediment stirred up by waves or currents would block their pores, making it difficult for them to feed and breathe. The greatest numbers of sponges are usually found on firm surfaces such as rocks, but some sponges can attach themselves to soft sediment by means of a root-like base.Sponges are more abundant but less diverse in temperate waters than in tropical waters, possibly because organisms that prey on sponges are more abundant in tropical waters.How they feed:Sponges absorb their food by their little holes in the sponge. Because most adult sponges can't travel in search of food they get their food by a process called filter feeding.
Body Form:
A sponge's body is hollow and is held in shape by the mesohyl, a jelly-like substance made mainly of collagen and reinforced by a dense network of fibers also made of collagen. The inner surface is covered with choanocytes, cells with cylindrical or conical collars surrounding one flagellum per choanocyte. The wave-like motion of the whip-like flagella drives water through the sponge's body.
Swim Style:
They float in the water but they don’t necessarily swim.
Mouth Position: pores all over their body
Saltwater Invertebrates Species #84
Branching vase spongeCallyspongia vaginalis
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PoriferaClass:Demospongiae Order: AgilasidaFamily: Agilasidae
Geography and Habitat: Sponges are worldwide in their distribution, from the Polar Regions to the tropics. Most live in quiet, clear waters, because sediment stirred up by waves or currents would block their pores, making it difficult for them to feed and breathe. The greatest numbers of sponges are usually found on firm surfaces such as rocks, but some sponges can attach themselves to soft sediment by means of a root-like base.Sponges are more abundant but less diverse in temperate waters than in tropical waters, possibly because organisms that prey on sponges are more abundant in tropical waters.How they feed:Sponges absorb their food by their little holes in the sponge. Because most adult sponges can't travel in search of food they get their food by a process called filter feeding.
Body Form:
A sponge's body is hollow and is held in shape by the mesohyl, a jelly-like substance made mainly of collagen and reinforced by a dense network of fibers also made of collagen. The inner surface is covered with choanocytes, cells with cylindrical or conical collars surrounding one flagellum per choanocyte. The wave-like motion of the whip-like flagella drives water through the sponge's body.
Swim Style:
They float in the water but they don’t necessarily swim.
Mouth Position: pores all over their body
Saltwater Invertebrates Species #85
Brown tube spongeAgelas conifera
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PoriferaClass:Demospongiae Order: AgilasidaFamily: Agilasidae
Geography and Habitat: Sponges are worldwide in their distribution, from the Polar Regions to the tropics. Most live in quiet, clear waters, because sediment stirred up by waves or currents would block their pores, making it difficult for them to feed and breathe. The greatest numbers of sponges are usually found on firm surfaces such as rocks, but some sponges can attach themselves to soft sediment by means of a root-like base.Sponges are more abundant but less diverse in temperate waters than in tropical waters, possibly because organisms that prey on sponges are more abundant in tropical waters.How they feed:Sponges absorb their food by their little holes in the sponge. Because most adult sponges can't travel in search of food they get their food by a process called filter feeding.
Body Form:
A sponge's body is hollow and is held in shape by the mesohyl, a jelly-like substance made mainly of collagen and reinforced by a dense network of fibers also made of collagen. The inner surface is covered with choanocytes, cells with cylindrical or conical collars surrounding one flagellum per choanocyte. The wave-like motion of the whip-like flagella drives water through the sponge's body.
Swim Style:
They float in the water but they don’t necessarily swim.
Mouth Position: pores all over their body
Saltwater Invertebrates Species #86
Bath spongeSpongia officinalis
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PoriferaClass:Demospongiae Order: AgilasidaFamily: Agilasidae
Geography and Habitat: Sponges are worldwide in their distribution, from the Polar Regions to the tropics. Most live in quiet, clear waters, because sediment stirred up by waves or currents would block their pores, making it difficult for them to feed and breathe. The greatest numbers of sponges are usually found on firm surfaces such as rocks, but some sponges can attach themselves to soft sediment by means of a root-like base.Sponges are more abundant but less diverse in temperate waters than in tropical waters, possibly because organisms that prey on sponges are more abundant in tropical waters.How they feed:Sponges absorb their food by their little holes in the sponge. Because most adult sponges can't travel in search of food they get their food by a process called filter feeding.
Body Form:
A sponge's body is hollow and is held in shape by the mesohyl, a jelly-like substance made mainly of collagen and reinforced by a dense network of fibers also made of collagen. The inner surface is covered with choanocytes, cells with cylindrical or conical collars surrounding one flagellum per choanocyte. The wave-like motion of the whip-like flagella drives water through the sponge's body.
Swim Style:
They float in the water but they don’t necessarily swim.
Mouth Position: pores all over their body
Saltwater Invertebrates Species #87
Red boring spongeCliona celata
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PoriferaClass:Demospongiae Order: AgilasidaFamily: Agilasidae
Geography and Habitat: Sponges are worldwide in their distribution, from the Polar Regions to the tropics. Most live in quiet, clear waters, because sediment stirred up by waves or currents would block their pores, making it difficult for them to feed and breathe. The greatest numbers of sponges are usually found on firm surfaces such as rocks, but some sponges can attach themselves to soft sediment by means of a root-like base.Sponges are more abundant but less diverse in temperate waters than in tropical waters, possibly because organisms that prey on sponges are more abundant in tropical waters.How they feed:Sponges absorb their food by their little holes in the sponge. Because most adult sponges can't travel in search of food they get their food by a process called filter feeding.
Body Form:
A sponge's body is hollow and is held in shape by the mesohyl, a jelly-like substance made mainly of collagen and reinforced by a dense network of fibers also made of collagen. The inner surface is covered with choanocytes, cells with cylindrical or conical collars surrounding one flagellum per choanocyte. The wave-like motion of the whip-like flagella drives water through the sponge's body.
Swim Style:
They float in the water but they don’t necessarily swim.
Mouth Position: pores all over their body
Saltwater Invertebrates Species #88
Barrel spongeXestospongia muta
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PoriferaClass:Demospongiae Order: AgilasidaFamily: Agilasidae
Geography and Habitat: Sponges are worldwide in their distribution, from the Polar Regions to the tropics. Most live in quiet, clear waters, because sediment stirred up by waves or currents would block their pores, making it difficult for them to feed and breathe. The greatest numbers of sponges are usually found on firm surfaces such as rocks, but some sponges can attach themselves to soft sediment by means of a root-like base.Sponges are more abundant but less diverse in temperate waters than in tropical waters, possibly because organisms that prey on sponges are more abundant in tropical waters.How they feed:Sponges absorb their food by their little holes in the sponge. Because most adult sponges can't travel in search of food they get their food by a process called filter feeding.
Body Form:
A sponge's body is hollow and is held in shape by the mesohyl, a jelly-like substance made mainly of collagen and reinforced by a dense network of fibers also made of collagen. The inner surface is covered with choanocytes, cells with cylindrical or conical collars surrounding one flagellum per choanocyte. The wave-like motion of the whip-like flagella drives water through the sponge's body.
Swim Style:
They float in the water but they don’t necessarily swim.
Mouth Position: pores all over their body
Saltwater Invertebrates Species #89
Row pore rope spongeAplysina cauliformis
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PoriferaClass:Demospongiae Order: AgilasidaFamily: Agilasidae
Geography and Habitat: Sponges are worldwide in their distribution, from the Polar Regions to the tropics. Most live in quiet, clear waters, because sediment stirred up by waves or currents would block their pores, making it difficult for them to feed and breathe. The greatest numbers of sponges are usually found on firm surfaces such as rocks, but some sponges can attach themselves to soft sediment by means of a root-like base.Sponges are more abundant but less diverse in temperate waters than in tropical waters, possibly because organisms that prey on sponges are more abundant in tropical waters.How they feed:Sponges absorb their food by their little holes in the sponge. Because most adult sponges can't travel in search of food they get their food by a process called filter feeding.
Body Form:
A sponge's body is hollow and is held in shape by the mesohyl, a jelly-like substance made mainly of collagen and reinforced by a dense network of fibers also made of collagen. The inner surface is covered with choanocytes, cells with cylindrical or conical collars surrounding one flagellum per choanocyte. The wave-like motion of the whip-like flagella drives water through the sponge's body.
Swim Style:
They float in the water but they don’t necessarily swim.
Mouth Position: pores all over their body
Saltwater Invertebrates Species #90
Strawberry vase spongeMycale laxissima
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PoriferaClass:Demospongiae Order: AgilasidaFamily: Agilasidae
Geography and Habitat: Sponges are worldwide in their distribution, from the Polar Regions to the tropics. Most live in quiet, clear waters, because sediment stirred up by waves or currents would block their pores, making it difficult for them to feed and breathe. The greatest numbers of sponges are usually found on firm surfaces such as rocks, but some sponges can attach themselves to soft sediment by means of a root-like base.Sponges are more abundant but less diverse in temperate waters than in tropical waters, possibly because organisms that prey on sponges are more abundant in tropical waters.How they feed:Sponges absorb their food by their little holes in the sponge. Because most adult sponges can't travel in search of food they get their food by a process called filter feeding.
Body Form:
A sponge's body is hollow and is held in shape by the mesohyl, a jelly-like substance made mainly of collagen and reinforced by a dense network of fibers also made of collagen. The inner surface is covered with choanocytes, cells with cylindrical or conical collars surrounding one flagellum per choanocyte. The wave-like motion of the whip-like flagella drives water through the sponge's body.
Swim Style:
They float in the water but they don’t necessarily swim.
Mouth Position: pores all over their body
Saltwater Invertebrates Species #91
Asure vase spongeCallyspongia plicifera
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PoriferaClass:Demospongiae Order: AgilasidaFamily: Agilasidae
Geography and Habitat: Sponges are worldwide in their distribution, from the Polar Regions to the tropics. Most live in quiet, clear waters, because sediment stirred up by waves or currents would block their pores, making it difficult for them to feed and breathe. The greatest numbers of sponges are usually found on firm surfaces such as rocks, but some sponges can attach themselves to soft sediment by means of a root-like base.Sponges are more abundant but less diverse in temperate waters than in tropical waters, possibly because organisms that prey on sponges are more abundant in tropical waters.How they feed:Sponges absorb their food by their little holes in the sponge. Because most adult sponges can't travel in search of food they get their food by a process called filter feeding.
Body Form:
A sponge's body is hollow and is held in shape by the mesohyl, a jelly-like substance made mainly of collagen and reinforced by a dense network of fibers also made of collagen. The inner surface is covered with choanocytes, cells with cylindrical or conical collars surrounding one flagellum per choanocyte. The wave-like motion of the whip-like flagella drives water through the sponge's body.
Swim Style: They float in the water but they don’t necessarily swim. Mouth Position: pores all over their body
Saltwater Invertebrates Species #92
Sea tulip spongePyura spinifera
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PoriferaClass:Demospongiae Order: AgilasidaFamily: Agilasidae
Geography and Habitat: Sponges are worldwide in their distribution, from the Polar Regions to the tropics. Most live in quiet, clear waters, because sediment stirred up by waves or currents would block their pores, making it difficult for them to feed and breathe. The greatest numbers of sponges are usually found on firm surfaces such as rocks, but some sponges can attach themselves to soft sediment by means of a root-like base.Sponges are more abundant but less diverse in temperate waters than in tropical waters, possibly because organisms that prey on sponges are more abundant in tropical waters.How they feed:Sponges absorb their food by their little holes in the sponge. Because most adult sponges can't travel in search of food they get their food by a process called filter feeding.
Body Form:
A sponge's body is hollow and is held in shape by the mesohyl, a jelly-like substance made mainly of collagen and reinforced by a dense network of fibers also made of collagen. The inner surface is covered with choanocytes, cells with cylindrical or conical collars surrounding one flagellum per choanocyte. The wave-like motion of the whip-like flagella drives water through the sponge's body.
Swim Style:
They float in the water but they don’t necessarily swim.
Mouth Position: pores all over their body