Infraclass Teleostei: “Teleosts” The vast majority of modern fishes are “teleosts.” They have replaced the heavy, armored scales of their ancestors

$Page 1: Infraclass Teleostei: “Teleosts” The vast majority of modern fishes are “teleosts.” They have replaced the heavy, armored scales of their ancestors$
Infraclass Teleostei: “Teleosts”Infraclass Teleostei: “Teleosts”

The vast majority of modern fishes are The vast majority of modern fishes are ““teleosts.”teleosts.”

They have replaced the heavy, armored They have replaced the heavy, armored scales of their ancestors with much lighter scales of their ancestors with much lighter more flexible scales that overlap each more flexible scales that overlap each other and also have evolved homocercal other and also have evolved homocercal symmetrical tails.symmetrical tails.

ClassActinopterygii Subclass

Chondrostei[37 species]

Order Acipenseriformes(paddlefish and sturgeons)

Order Polypteriformes (bichirs)

SubclassNeopterygii

InfraclassHolostei[8 species]

InfraclassTeleostei

Order Lepisosteiformes(gars)

Order Amiiformes(bowfin)

12 superorders

Figure 24.15

Figure 24.18

TeleostsTeleosts

The teleosts are extremely abundant and have The teleosts are extremely abundant and have diversified into an enormous number of species diversified into an enormous number of species (depending on authority about 24,000 species). (depending on authority about 24,000 species).

They represent about half of all vertebrate They represent about half of all vertebrate species and have colonized all marine and species and have colonized all marine and freshwater habitats from -11,000 m to +4,500m freshwater habitats from -11,000 m to +4,500m and occupy water that ranges in temperature and occupy water that ranges in temperature from polar (-1.8from polar (-1.8ººC) to hot springs (43C) to hot springs (43ººC). C).

Teleost charactersTeleost characters

Homocercal tailHomocercal tail Circular scales without ganoineCircular scales without ganoine Ossified vertebraeOssified vertebrae Swim bladder – structure and function Swim bladder – structure and function

discussed previously.discussed previously. Skull with complex jaw mobilitySkull with complex jaw mobility

Jaw mobility in teleostsJaw mobility in teleosts

The skull in teleosts has become greatly The skull in teleosts has become greatly lightened from the much more robustly lightened from the much more robustly constructed skull of the holosteans and is constructed skull of the holosteans and is much more flexible.much more flexible.

Bones in the upper jaw, which were once Bones in the upper jaw, which were once firmly fixed to the skull and had teeth have firmly fixed to the skull and had teeth have become more loosely attached and teeth become more loosely attached and teeth are often absent.are often absent.

http://people.biology.ufl.edu/sahilber/VertZooLab2007/Vert%20Zoo%20Images/Lab%202/Bowfin_skull_1.jpg


The maxillary bone (on the upper jaw) is The maxillary bone (on the upper jaw) is mobile in teleosts [and in bowfins, but not mobile in teleosts [and in bowfins, but not gars].gars].

In addition the premaxillary bone (which is In addition the premaxillary bone (which is anterior to the maxilla) is also mobile.anterior to the maxilla) is also mobile.


This mobility in the upper jaws has contributed This mobility in the upper jaws has contributed to a major development in the teleosts, which is to a major development in the teleosts, which is the conversion of jaws from simple devices for the conversion of jaws from simple devices for grasping to sophisticated suction devices.grasping to sophisticated suction devices.

An approaching fish can push prey away just as An approaching fish can push prey away just as your hand does when you reach for something your hand does when you reach for something underwater, but a rapid expansion of the underwater, but a rapid expansion of the orobranchial cavity creates a flow of water into orobranchial cavity creates a flow of water into the fishes mouth.the fishes mouth.


The mobility of the maxilla and premaxilla allows The mobility of the maxilla and premaxilla allows the upper jaw to extend and protrude from the the upper jaw to extend and protrude from the mouth.mouth.

Jaw protrusion is achieved by levering forward Jaw protrusion is achieved by levering forward the premaxilla from behind. the premaxilla from behind.

The premaxilla is attached with ligaments that The premaxilla is attached with ligaments that allow the bone to slide forward on top of the allow the bone to slide forward on top of the skull.skull.

http://141.213.176.11/site/accounts/information/Actinopterygii.html


In a feeding fish this protrusion is accompanied In a feeding fish this protrusion is accompanied by other movements of the orobranchial cavity by other movements of the orobranchial cavity [mouth and gill cavities], the head is raised, jaw [mouth and gill cavities], the head is raised, jaw lowered and the opercula are moved laterally.lowered and the opercula are moved laterally.

The net result of all these movements is a The net result of all these movements is a sudden expansion of the volume of the oral sudden expansion of the volume of the oral cavity that quickly sucks water (and prey) into cavity that quickly sucks water (and prey) into the mouth.the mouth.

Lake Victoria cichlidhttp://www.petfishtalk.com/shows/090325.htm


Based on anatomical comparisons of their Based on anatomical comparisons of their structure in different groups it is clear that structure in different groups it is clear that protrusible jaws have evolved independently protrusible jaws have evolved independently multiple in different teleost clades.multiple in different teleost clades.

Jaw protrusion is widespread among the Jaw protrusion is widespread among the perciform fishes, but also occurs in silversides, perciform fishes, but also occurs in silversides, cods and anglerfishes, and in minnows.cods and anglerfishes, and in minnows.

Pharyngeal JawsPharyngeal Jaws

Mobile and often powerful pharyngeal jaws Mobile and often powerful pharyngeal jaws have evolved several times in have evolved several times in actinopterygians.actinopterygians.

Ancestral ray finned fishes possessed Ancestral ray finned fishes possessed many dermal tooth plates within the many dermal tooth plates within the pharynx. Some toothplates over time pharynx. Some toothplates over time became fused together and to parts of became fused together and to parts of some gill arches. some gill arches.

Pharyngeal jawsPharyngeal jaws

The earliest pharyngeal jaws were not very The earliest pharyngeal jaws were not very mobile, but could be used to hold prey mobile, but could be used to hold prey before swallowing. Today a variety of before swallowing. Today a variety of pharyngeal jaws occur in different groups. pharyngeal jaws occur in different groups.

For example, in minnows the primary jaws For example, in minnows the primary jaws lack teeth but the pharyngeal jaws are lack teeth but the pharyngeal jaws are enlarged and close against a horny pad on enlarged and close against a horny pad on the base of the skull. They are used to grind the base of the skull. They are used to grind plant material.plant material.


In many groups the upper and lower In many groups the upper and lower pharyngeal jaws can move independently pharyngeal jaws can move independently of each other. of each other.

For example, in some moray eels the For example, in some moray eels the pharyngeal jaws can be extended from the pharyngeal jaws can be extended from the throat into the oral cavity to grasp prey and throat into the oral cavity to grasp prey and pull it into the throat and esophagus.pull it into the throat and esophagus.

These X-rays show the normal position of the pharyngeal jaws (upper), and how they can move forward into the mouth to seize food (lower). (Credit: Rita Mehta, Section of Evolution and Ecology and Candi Stafford, School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis.) Legend pasted from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070905134523.htm

Moray Eel Pharyngeal jawshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pharyngeal_jaws_of_moray_eels.svg


The cichlids of Lakes Victoria, Malawi and The cichlids of Lakes Victoria, Malawi and Tanganyika have diversified enormously into Tanganyika have diversified enormously into about 500 species in a period of only about about 500 species in a period of only about 14,000 years. 14,000 years.

The possession of pharyngeal jaws which can The possession of pharyngeal jaws which can process food has allowed the outer jaws to be process food has allowed the outer jaws to be greatly modified to consume a wide variety of greatly modified to consume a wide variety of prey. Foods consumed include, other fish, prey. Foods consumed include, other fish, plankton, algae, fish scales, bivalves, and plankton, algae, fish scales, bivalves, and diatoms.diatoms.

http://cichlid.umd.edu/cichlidlabs/kc/res/Cichlid.html

Teleost classificationTeleost classification

How the Neopterygii should be subdivided How the Neopterygii should be subdivided differs greatly from authority to authority.differs greatly from authority to authority.

We will use a recent classification that We will use a recent classification that divides the teleosts into a dozen divides the teleosts into a dozen superorders (some very large)superorders (some very large)

Infraclass Teleostei Superorder Elopomorpha[eels, tarpon, bonefish]

Superorder Clupeomorpha[herrings, anchovies]

Superorder Ostariophysi[carp, piranha, catfishes, electric eels]

Superorder Paracanthopterygia[cod, anglerfish, toadfish]

Superorder Protacanthopterygii[salmon, pike]

Superorder Acanthopterygi[perch, tuna mackeral]

Five other superorders of relatively small numbers offishes

Superorder Osteoglossomorpha[elephant fishes, Arapaima]

Infraclass Teleostei Superorder Stenopterygii[jellynose fish, hatchet fishes]

Superorder Cyclosquamata[Bombay duck, lancetfishes]

Superorder Scopelomorpha[lanternfishes]

Superorder Lampridiomorpha[oarfish, ribbonfishes]

Superorder Polymixiomorpha[beardfishes]

The other five superorders

Superorder ElopomorphaSuperorder Elopomorpha

Elopomorpha: includes tarpons, bonefishes, and eels.Elopomorpha: includes tarpons, bonefishes, and eels.

Specialized laterally compressed and transparent Specialized laterally compressed and transparent leptocephalous [Greek slim headed] larvae are a unique leptocephalous [Greek slim headed] larvae are a unique feature of the group. feature of the group.

Unlike most fish larvae they grow large (6-30cm) and are Unlike most fish larvae they grow large (6-30cm) and are good swimmers.good swimmers.

They have a long larval life of 3 months to a year adrift They have a long larval life of 3 months to a year adrift on the ocean being moved by ocean currents.on the ocean being moved by ocean currents.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptocephalus

Eel leptocephalus larvaehttp://www.australianmuseum.net.au/image/Eel-leptocephali/

Bonefishhttp://www.islaculebra.com/puerto-rico/fishing.html

Tarponhttp://www.wildernessaccess.com/images/fishn/Tarpon-FISH-Justin-S-America-Venezuela-Los-Rogos.jpg

TarponsTarpons There are two species of tarpon, one found in the There are two species of tarpon, one found in the

Atlantic and Caribbean (“the” tarpon or Atlantic tarpon) Atlantic and Caribbean (“the” tarpon or Atlantic tarpon) and the Indo-Pacific tarpon.and the Indo-Pacific tarpon.

One of the most popular of game fishes they grow 5-8’ in One of the most popular of game fishes they grow 5-8’ in length and weigh 80-280lbs. They put up a tremendous length and weigh 80-280lbs. They put up a tremendous fight when hooked and will leap high from the water. fight when hooked and will leap high from the water. Generally caught and released as they don’t taste great.Generally caught and released as they don’t taste great.

An ocean fish, but tolerant of brackish and even An ocean fish, but tolerant of brackish and even freshwater. The swim-bladder serves as an accessory freshwater. The swim-bladder serves as an accessory breathing organ and this enables tarpon to tolerate low-breathing organ and this enables tarpon to tolerate low-oxygen conditions.oxygen conditions.

EelsEels

Most elopomorphs are eel-like and marine, Most elopomorphs are eel-like and marine, but some tolerate freshwater.but some tolerate freshwater.

The American eel has a very unusual life-The American eel has a very unusual life-cycle. The eels grow to sexual maturity in cycle. The eels grow to sexual maturity in rivers and streams (taking 10 years or rivers and streams (taking 10 years or more) and then migrate downriver into the more) and then migrate downriver into the ocean to breed. (They are ocean to breed. (They are catadramouscatadramous.).)

EelsEels

They swim to the Sargasso Sea (an area of the They swim to the Sargasso Sea (an area of the North Atlantic between the Azores and West North Atlantic between the Azores and West Indies) where they apparently spawn and die, Indies) where they apparently spawn and die, presumably at depth.presumably at depth.

Eggs and larvae float to the surface and drift on Eggs and larvae float to the surface and drift on the currents until they reach the near the coast. the currents until they reach the near the coast. Then they transform into miniature eels and Then they transform into miniature eels and travel up rivers to mature. travel up rivers to mature.

http://www.richardcorfield.com/assets/images/silent_landscape/sargasso.jpg

American Eelhttp://www.peacefulparks.org/800x600/eels/Anguilla-rostrata-2.jpg

Eel larvaehttp://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/17/54217-004-411C3896.gif

EelsEels

European eels also spawn in the Sargasso Sea. European eels also spawn in the Sargasso Sea. Their larvae travel on clockwise currents mainly Their larvae travel on clockwise currents mainly of the Gulf Stream and are distributed to North of the Gulf Stream and are distributed to North Africa, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and as far as the Black Sea.as far as the Black Sea.

Because they drift in cooler waters, European Because they drift in cooler waters, European eels grow more slowly than American eels. eels grow more slowly than American eels. Development is slowed less than growth Development is slowed less than growth however, and as a result European eels have however, and as a result European eels have more vertebrae than American eels.more vertebrae than American eels.

Superorder ClupeomorphaSuperorder Clupeomorpha

Are a commercially very important group of about 360 Are a commercially very important group of about 360 species of mostly marine schooling, silvery fishes.species of mostly marine schooling, silvery fishes.

They include herring, shad, pilchards, anchovies and They include herring, shad, pilchards, anchovies and sardines and schools can be enormous and provide an sardines and schools can be enormous and provide an important food source for many larger marine predators important food source for many larger marine predators including sharks and dolphins.including sharks and dolphins.

They feed on plankton which they gather using a They feed on plankton which they gather using a specialized mouth and gill-straining apparatus. Teeth are specialized mouth and gill-straining apparatus. Teeth are small or absent.small or absent.

Superorder ClupeomorphaSuperorder Clupeomorpha

Clupeomorphs lack a lateral line and are Clupeomorphs lack a lateral line and are physostomous, which means there is a physostomous, which means there is a direct connection between the swim direct connection between the swim bladder and the gut.bladder and the gut.

Most are quite small -- size range is from 2 Most are quite small -- size range is from 2 to 75cm.to 75cm.

Herringhttp://pond.dnr.cornell.edu/nyfish/clupeidae/blueback_herring.jpg

Reef fish attacking a school of Reef fish attacking a school of Pacific herringPacific herring

http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBhK0_HjVe0 v=oBhK0_HjVe0

Superorder OstariophysiSuperorder Ostariophysi Ostariophysi (from Greek for bone and bladder).Ostariophysi (from Greek for bone and bladder).

The second-largest superorder of fish and includes The second-largest superorder of fish and includes about 28% of all living fishes and almost 70% of about 28% of all living fishes and almost 70% of freshwater species. Total number of species is estimated freshwater species. Total number of species is estimated at about 7900 species. Worldwide distribution except for at about 7900 species. Worldwide distribution except for Antarctica and New Zealand. Antarctica and New Zealand.

Catfish, Cyprinids [minnows and carp], electric eels, Catfish, Cyprinids [minnows and carp], electric eels, piranhas.piranhas.

Display very diverse traits, but many have protrusible Display very diverse traits, but many have protrusible jaws and pharyngeal teeth act as second jaws.jaws and pharyngeal teeth act as second jaws.

Superorder OstariophysiSuperorder Ostariophysi

Members of the group possess two unique Members of the group possess two unique derived features: derived features: alarm substancesalarm substances in the skin and in the skin and the the Weberian apparatusWeberian apparatus..

When the skin is damaged, pheromones are When the skin is damaged, pheromones are released into the water and these stimulate a released into the water and these stimulate a fright reaction in other members of the species fright reaction in other members of the species and other ostariophysians. In response, they and other ostariophysians. In response, they may quickly seek cover or school together.may quickly seek cover or school together.

Weberian ApparatusWeberian Apparatus

Weberian apparatus: The name ostariophysian Weberian apparatus: The name ostariophysian (Greek: bone and bladder) refers to a series of (Greek: bone and bladder) refers to a series of small bones that connect the swim bladder with small bones that connect the swim bladder with the inner ear.the inner ear.

The Weberian apparatus greatly enhances The Weberian apparatus greatly enhances hearing in these fish and as a result they are hearing in these fish and as a result they are more sensitive to sounds and can hear a wider more sensitive to sounds and can hear a wider range of sounds than other fishes.range of sounds than other fishes.

Weberian apparatusWeberian apparatus When sound waves strike the swimbladder it When sound waves strike the swimbladder it

vibrates. vibrates.

A bone (the tripus) in contact with the swim A bone (the tripus) in contact with the swim bladder then conducts this vibration via bladder then conducts this vibration via ligaments to two other bones, the second of ligaments to two other bones, the second of which moves and compresses a section of the which moves and compresses a section of the inner ear against a fourth bone.inner ear against a fourth bone.

This fourth bone (the claustrum) then stimulates This fourth bone (the claustrum) then stimulates the auditory region of the inner ear. the auditory region of the inner ear.

Weberian apparatus:http://www.aqua.org.il/pic/Articles/CatFish/12.JPG

CyprinidsCyprinids

The cyprinids are one of the largest families of the The cyprinids are one of the largest families of the Ostariophysi (about 2,400 species) and the group Ostariophysi (about 2,400 species) and the group includes the carp, goldfish and minnows.includes the carp, goldfish and minnows.

The cyprinids lack a stomach and their jaws are The cyprinids lack a stomach and their jaws are toothless. Instead they depend on their pharyngeal teeth toothless. Instead they depend on their pharyngeal teeth to chew food against a chewing plate formed from an to chew food against a chewing plate formed from an extension of the skull.extension of the skull.

The pharyngeal teeth are sufficiently strong that fish The pharyngeal teeth are sufficiently strong that fish such as carp are able to consume hard shelled prey such as carp are able to consume hard shelled prey such as snails and mussels. such as snails and mussels.

CarpCarp

Colloquially carp refers to the largest Colloquially carp refers to the largest species of cyprinids and these have a species of cyprinids and these have a close historical association with humans close historical association with humans having been farmed for food especially in having been farmed for food especially in Eastern Europe and Asia and as an Eastern Europe and Asia and as an ornamental fish for centuries.ornamental fish for centuries.

Carphttp://www.naturephoto-cz.com/photos/others/carp-20524.jpg

Koi carp http://www.aqua-fish.net/show.php?h=koi

Goldfish and koi carp are among the most well known of the ornamental carpGoldfish and koi carp are among the most well known of the ornamental carp

CatfishCatfish

About 1,800 species. Named catfish for About 1,800 species. Named catfish for the prominent barbels (as many as 4 the prominent barbels (as many as 4 pairs) that many species have, which pairs) that many species have, which resemble a cat’s whiskers and are used resemble a cat’s whiskers and are used for food finding.for food finding.

http://fishingforbeginners.net/how-to-catch-catfish/

CatfishCatfish

Freshwater fish found worldwide. Most are Freshwater fish found worldwide. Most are bottom-feeders and are negatively buoyant bottom-feeders and are negatively buoyant having a small swim-bladder and a heavy having a small swim-bladder and a heavy flattened head.flattened head.

Catfish (like carp) have been widely caught and Catfish (like carp) have been widely caught and farmed for centuries. They can easily be raised farmed for centuries. They can easily be raised in large ponds in warm climates and there is a in large ponds in warm climates and there is a large catfish aquaculture industry in the southern large catfish aquaculture industry in the southern U.S.U.S.

CatfishCatfish

Many species are quite small reaching Many species are quite small reaching only 4” in length, but others can be only 4” in length, but others can be enormous. The largest is the giant enormous. The largest is the giant Mekong catfish that has been known to Mekong catfish that has been known to reach over 10’ long and a weight of reach over 10’ long and a weight of 650lbs. This is the record for the world’s 650lbs. This is the record for the world’s largest freshwater fish.largest freshwater fish.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/06/photogalleries/giantcatfish/

CatfishCatfish

Most catfish possess a strong hollow spine-like Most catfish possess a strong hollow spine-like ray on their dorsal and pectoral fins. These can ray on their dorsal and pectoral fins. These can be locked in place as a defensive mechanism be locked in place as a defensive mechanism and can inflict severe wounds. Some species and can inflict severe wounds. Some species produce a toxic protein that can be delivered by produce a toxic protein that can be delivered by these spines. In a few species the toxin is these spines. In a few species the toxin is dangerous and in rare cases lethal to humans.dangerous and in rare cases lethal to humans.

PiranhaPiranha

Piranha belong to the family Characidae in Piranha belong to the family Characidae in the Ostariophysi. They are south the Ostariophysi. They are south American fish and occur in the large river American fish and occur in the large river basins of the Amazon, Orinoco and similar basins of the Amazon, Orinoco and similar rivers. Estimates of the number of species rivers. Estimates of the number of species range from 30-60 speciesrange from 30-60 species

They are known for their sharp teeth and They are known for their sharp teeth and have a fearsome reputation as carnivores. have a fearsome reputation as carnivores.

PiranhaPiranha They are relatively small deep-bodied schooling They are relatively small deep-bodied schooling

fish 5-10” long and easily recognized by their fish 5-10” long and easily recognized by their dentition. They possess a single row of sharp dentition. They possess a single row of sharp triangular teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.triangular teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

The piranhas (specifically one species the red-The piranhas (specifically one species the red-bellied piranha) reputation for ferocity appears to bellied piranha) reputation for ferocity appears to have been greatly exaggerated, but attacks on have been greatly exaggerated, but attacks on humans do occur especially in situations where humans do occur especially in situations where in shallow water where fishing and gutting is in shallow water where fishing and gutting is taking place.taking place.

Piranhahttp://blogs.westword.com/latestword/piranha.jpg

http://www.paradiseearth.com/Animal%20Articles/Piranha.html

Piranha clipPiranha clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4frRbnl50HU v=4frRbnl50HU

Superorder ProtacanthopterygiiSuperorder Protacanthopterygii

The superorder includes about 500 species of The superorder includes about 500 species of which the esocid [pike] and salmonid fishes are which the esocid [pike] and salmonid fishes are the most familiar.the most familiar.

The group originated about 150 mya and The group originated about 150 mya and numerous fossils are known from the numerous fossils are known from the Cretaceous. Cretaceous.

They are a temperate water group and most They are a temperate water group and most species are found in the northern hemisphere.species are found in the northern hemisphere.


Many Protacanthopterygii (e.g. salmonids) Many Protacanthopterygii (e.g. salmonids) possess an adipose fin, which is a soft fleshy fin possess an adipose fin, which is a soft fleshy fin found on the back behind the dorsal fin and just found on the back behind the dorsal fin and just forward of the caudal fin.forward of the caudal fin.

Function of this fin is unclear, but trout that have Function of this fin is unclear, but trout that have had it removed have an 8% higher tailbeat had it removed have an 8% higher tailbeat frequency and it has been suggested that it may frequency and it has been suggested that it may have a sensory function in detecting sound, have a sensory function in detecting sound, touch and changes in pressure.touch and changes in pressure.

Adipose fin

Coho salmonhttp://www.reelsilvercharters.com/lake-ontario-game-fish.htm


The salmonids include salmon, trout, char and The salmonids include salmon, trout, char and grayling and the group includes many grayling and the group includes many commercially important species.commercially important species.

The smallest salmonids are only about 5” long, The smallest salmonids are only about 5” long, but some salmon can reach 6’ in length.but some salmon can reach 6’ in length.

Many species of salmon are Many species of salmon are anadromousanadromous and and spend their adult lives at sea, but all salmonids spend their adult lives at sea, but all salmonids spawn in freshwater.spawn in freshwater.

Coho Salmonhttp://bullsheet.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/coho-salmon.jpg

Rainbow Trout:http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/animals/images/primary/rainbow-trout.jpg


Trout are close relatives of salmon, but Trout are close relatives of salmon, but usually live their entire lives in freshwater.usually live their entire lives in freshwater.

Salmon and trout are important Salmon and trout are important commercial and recreational species.commercial and recreational species.

Salmon have been a major focus of the Salmon have been a major focus of the aquaculture industry. aquaculture industry.

http://www.canned-salmon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/salmon_farm.jpg

Superorder ProtacanthopterygiiSuperorder Protacanthopterygii The esocids are a small order (only 10 species ) The esocids are a small order (only 10 species )

which is closely related to the salmonids and which is closely related to the salmonids and among the most primitive of euteleosteans.among the most primitive of euteleosteans.

They include pike, muskellunge, pickerels and They include pike, muskellunge, pickerels and relatives. relatives.

These fish (which superficially resemble gars) These fish (which superficially resemble gars) are voracious, stealth-hunting predators and are voracious, stealth-hunting predators and important freshwater game fish in North America important freshwater game fish in North America and northern Eurasia.and northern Eurasia.

Muskellungehttp://www.rudybenner.com/Cochrane%20District%20Scuba%20Divers_files/Muskellunge.jpg

PikePike Pike have a long, powerful muscular body and Pike have a long, powerful muscular body and

an elongated snout filled with long pointed teeth an elongated snout filled with long pointed teeth on which it impales its prey.on which it impales its prey.

They have deeply forked tails, and paired dorsal They have deeply forked tails, and paired dorsal and anal fins set well back on the body. These and anal fins set well back on the body. These appear to be adaptations for rapid straight line appear to be adaptations for rapid straight line acceleration. acceleration.

Pike typically lie in wait and suddenly rush from Pike typically lie in wait and suddenly rush from cover to capture their prey.cover to capture their prey.

Northern Pikehttp://www.naturephoto-cz.com/photos/others/northern-pike-20529.jpg

Superorder ParacanthopterygiiSuperorder Paracanthopterygii

Includes about 1,340 species of cod, Includes about 1,340 species of cod, toadfish and anglerfish.toadfish and anglerfish.

An almost exclusively marine group that An almost exclusively marine group that ranges in length from a few cm to about 2 ranges in length from a few cm to about 2 meters.meters.

GadiformesGadiformes Cod and their relatives (including pollock, ling, hake, and Cod and their relatives (including pollock, ling, hake, and

haddock) totaling about 475 species are cold water haddock) totaling about 475 species are cold water marine fishes and the basis of some of the most marine fishes and the basis of some of the most historically important marine fisheries. historically important marine fisheries.

Cod are the largest of the gadoids and may weigh up to Cod are the largest of the gadoids and may weigh up to 90 kg. They are mostly bottom dwellers and occur on 90 kg. They are mostly bottom dwellers and occur on the continental shelves from shallow water to 200 the continental shelves from shallow water to 200 fathoms.fathoms.

Cod migrate over long distances and assemble in large Cod migrate over long distances and assemble in large numbers to spawn. A single female may produce numbers to spawn. A single female may produce millions of eggs, which drift in the plankton.millions of eggs, which drift in the plankton.

Atlantic Cod:http://www.codgen.olsvik.info/Images/Cod7.jpg

AnglerfishesAnglerfishes

Anglerfishes are named for their method of foraging Anglerfishes are named for their method of foraging which involves using a lure to attract fish close to them.which involves using a lure to attract fish close to them.

The lure is a modified spine of the anterior dorsal fin and The lure is a modified spine of the anterior dorsal fin and can be wiggled like a prey item. can be wiggled like a prey item.

In deep sea anglerfish the lure contains bioluminescent In deep sea anglerfish the lure contains bioluminescent bacteria that help attract prey from a distance.bacteria that help attract prey from a distance.

Some bottom-dwelling anglerfish depend on camouflage Some bottom-dwelling anglerfish depend on camouflage and these fish have arm-like pectoral fins that they use and these fish have arm-like pectoral fins that they use to move long the bottom.to move long the bottom.

Anglerfishhttp://scribalterror.blogs.com/scribal_terror/images/2007/06/17/angler_fish.jpg

Black devil Anglerfishhttp://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/04deepscope/background/deeplight/media/fig3b_600.jpg

Superorder AcanthopterygiiSuperorder Acanthopterygii Includes two major groups: Includes two major groups:

Atherinomorpha and Atherinomorpha and Perciformes.Perciformes.

Atherinomorpha: More than 1,600 species of silversides, Atherinomorpha: More than 1,600 species of silversides, killifishes, grunions, flying fish and relatives.killifishes, grunions, flying fish and relatives.

These are mostly small silvery fish that are surface These are mostly small silvery fish that are surface feeders.feeders.

There are about 50 species of flying fish (mostly tropical) There are about 50 species of flying fish (mostly tropical) that are members of the Atherinomorpha and they use that are members of the Atherinomorpha and they use their enlarged pectoral fins to glide 50 to 400m their enlarged pectoral fins to glide 50 to 400m (depending on updrafts from waves) to escape predators.(depending on updrafts from waves) to escape predators.

Silversideshttp://www.aboututila.com/Photos/AdamLaverty/Fish-Silversides.JPG

Flying fishhttp://blogs.dispatch.co.za/dispatchnow/files/2008/01/flying-fish.jpg

http://myanimalblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/flyingfish.jpg

AcanthopterygiiAcanthopterygii

The second major group is the Perciformes: more than The second major group is the Perciformes: more than 7,000 species of perch and their relatives. 7,000 species of perch and their relatives.

Range in size from 7mm to 5m long. A paraphyletic Range in size from 7mm to 5m long. A paraphyletic group there is no set of derived traits that groups them group there is no set of derived traits that groups them all together, but they usually have dorsal and anal fins all together, but they usually have dorsal and anal fins with anterior spiny portions, whereas the posterior spines with anterior spiny portions, whereas the posterior spines are usually soft rayed. The two portions may be partially are usually soft rayed. The two portions may be partially or completely separated.or completely separated.

Snook, sea bass, sunfish, perch, darter, snapper, Snook, sea bass, sunfish, perch, darter, snapper, cichlids, barracuda, tuna, most coral reef fish.cichlids, barracuda, tuna, most coral reef fish.

European Perchhttp://www.strikeit.net/USERIMAGES/PERCH.JPG

Snookhttp://www.floridaadventuring.com/images/snorkeling-school-of-snook.jpg

Black Seabasshttp://shiftingbaselines.org/blog/images/Black%20Sea%20Bass2.jpg

Barracudahttp://www.bubblevision.com/albums/richelieu-rock/images/giant-barracuda.jpg

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/images/cc_barracuda_national_park_service.jpg

Infraclass OsteoglossomorphaInfraclass Osteoglossomorpha

OsteoglossomorphaOsteoglossomorpha: [greek bony tongue]. : [greek bony tongue]. About 220 species of tropical freshwater fish. About 220 species of tropical freshwater fish. Includes from the Amazon Includes from the Amazon OsteoglossumOsteoglossum or or Arawana, and Arapaima among the largest Arawana, and Arapaima among the largest purely freshwater fish (regularly 3m long, but up purely freshwater fish (regularly 3m long, but up to 4.5 m).to 4.5 m).

Also includes the African elephant nose fish, Also includes the African elephant nose fish, which are bottom feeders and that use weak which are bottom feeders and that use weak electric signals to communicate with each otherelectric signals to communicate with each other

Arawanahttp://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/28/117528-004-6B4BBA33.jpg

Arapaimahttp://www.petfishtalk.com/rss_feeds/images/080326_arapaima_1.jpg

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/midorcas/animalphysiology/websites/2003/Wilson/cfunspics/elephant_nose.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/midorcas/animalphysiology/websites/2003/Wilson/GalONE.htm&usg=__yE31La06_D121J4Yga5NHWknr5Y=&h=467&w=1458&sz=57&hl=en&start=3&tbnid=xQ3Vx636CuW21M:&tbnh=48&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Delephant%2Bfish%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

Elephant nose fish

Documents

Infraclass Teleostei: “Teleosts” The vast majority of modern fishes are “teleosts.” They have replaced the heavy, armored scales of their ancestors