Chimaeriformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass:Gnathostomata-jawed fishes
Class: Chondrichthyes- cartilaginous fishes, rays
Subclass: Holocephali- cartilaginous fishes, chimaeras
Order: Chimaeriformes
Families:3; Chimaeridae, Callorhinchidae, Rhinochimaeridae
6 Genera, 34 species
Description: bodies are elongate, soft, and scaleless, ranging from brownish-gray to black. Most species
have a rather large head in comparison to the rest of the body. Head is covered in prominent sensory
canals, single gill-opening, prominent spine before the first of two dorsal fins, and only three pairs of
large, often beak-like teeth in mouth. Snout is highly varied amongst species. Male chimeras have
retractable sexual appendages before pelvic fins, along with an appendage on their forehead. Small-tomoderate-size (up to 1.5 m).
Habitat:Entirely marine. Found on or near the bottom of the continental shelf to depths of at least 2,600
m (8.500 ft), but few species occur inshore in temperate regions.
Distribution:Occur in all of the world’s oceans with the exception of Arctic and Antarctic waters
Ecology and life history: Feed primarily on benthic invertebrates that they crush with three rows of tooth
plates. All species of chimaeriformes are oviparous, with females being fertilized internally. Very little is
known about the reproduction and development of chimaeriformes due to the difficulty to study them in
their natural, deep-water habitat. First fossil evidence of Chimaeriformes occurs in the Devonian,
Carboniferous, and Permian periods (375–250 ma)
Additional Details:some species are harvested commercially in the southern hemisphere for food and
pharmaceutical products, however there is insufficient data to determine if any species are threatened.
Those species commercially harvested are at a high risk of overexploitation, for there is also insufficient
data on age, growth, and population structure.
Hydrolagus colliei
References used:
Paxton, J. R. and W. N. Eshmeyer. 1998. Encyclopedia of fishes. Academic Press.
Nelson, J. S. 1994. Fishes of the World. 3rd. ed. Wiley and Sons, New York.
Orectolobiformes- Carpet Sharks
Taxonomy:
Superclass Gnathostomata –Jawed Fishes
Class Chrondrichthyes- Cartilaginous Fishes
Subclass Elasmobranchii- Sharks and Rays
Order Orectolobiformes- Carpet Sharks
Families Orectolobidae (wobbegongs), Rhincodontidae (whale shark), Parascyllidae
(collard carpet sharks), Brachaeluridae (blind sharks), Hemiscyllidae (longtail carpet sharks),
Stegostomatidae (zebra sharks), Ginglymostomatidae (nurse sharks).
14 Genera, ~31 species
Description: On average between 1 and 3.5 meters long. The whale shark is the exception at 12 to 15
meters. They have two spineless dorsal fins, a short mouth that is well in front of the eyes and specialized
nostrils with prominent grooves. Most have barbells and small gill slits with the fourth gill slit
overlapping the fifth.
Habitat: Live exclusively in salt water. Found usually on or near the bottom.
Distribution: Orectolobiformes are found predominantly in the tropical areas of the Indo-Pacific, with
most being present in Australian waters. A few species can be found in the Atlantic.
Ecology and life history: Reproduction is variable, with some species being oviparous and some being
ovoviviparous. Most are sluggish sharks that mainly feed on small invertebrates and fishes. However,
there are a wide range of life history strategies utilized, with some individuals being ambush predators,
filter feeders, or night predators.
Additional details: This order contains the largest living fish, the whale shark, at 15m in length and
approximately 12,000kg in weight.
References:
Bond, C.E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth.
Paxton, J.R. and W.N Eshmeyer. 1998. Encyclopedia of fished 2nd ed. Academic Press.
Nelson, J.S. 1994. Fishes of the world. 3rd ed. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York.
Carcharhiniformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass Gnathostomata – jawed fishes
Class Chondrichthyes – cartilaginous fishes
Order Carcharhiniformes – ground sharks
Families (8): Scyliorhinidae – cat sharks and spotted dogfishes, Proscyllidae –
finback cat sharks, Pseudotriakidae – false cat sharks, Leptochariidae –
barbeled hound shark,Triakidae – hound sharks or smooth hounds or smooth
dogfishes, Hemigaleidae – weasel sharks, Carcharhinidae – requiem or
“typical” sharks, and Sphyrnidae – hammerhead sharks
~40 - 48 genera, ~ 216 species
Description: cartilaginous fishes, jawed fishes, have anal, pelvic, and pectoral paired fins, have dorsal
fin, paired nostrils, scales, two-chambered hearts, lack ribs, body covered with placoid scales sometimes
called dermal teeth or dermal denticles, majority have heterocercal tail, breathe using 5-7 gills, spiracle
behind each eye often used to pump water through the gillshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gill while the
animal is at rest, poikilotherms also known as cold-blooded or ectothermic
Habitat: found in tropical continental shelf regions, inshore, littoral habitats as well as offshore, present
in deeper waters along the upper continental slopes, some are epipelagic in deeper ocean basins
Distribution: can be found worldwide, mostly inhabit all the major oceans, but can be found in tropical
freshwater rivers and lakes, inhabit waters from the intertidal zone to the lower reaches of the continental
slope, mostly abundant and found in tropical to temperate waters
Ecology and life history: males bite females during mating, fertilization is internal, development is
usually live birth such as ovoviviparous species (nourished by the egg yolk) and viviparous species
(nourished by the mother’s body) but can be through eggs (oviparous), some guard eggs, gestation
periods are short for oviparous species where they lay their eggs after a few weeks and the embryos are
retained for more than a year in ovoviviparous and viviparous species, litters vary from one to 135 per
gestation, females give birth in shallow areas, no parental care after birth, diet consists of a variety of
marine animals from bony fishes to a wide range of invertebrates that the benthic ground sharks will eat
Additional details: economically important, fished intensely for both food and recreational purposes,
carcasses used for fishmeal, fins used for/in the Chinese shark fin soup industry, skin used for leather
products, liver oil used for the extraction of vitamin A, and ecotourism
References used:
Bond, C. E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth, pp. 108-109.
http://www.answers.com/topic/carcharhiniformes
Lamniformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass: Gnathostomata
Class: Elasmobranchii
Order: Lamniformes
Families (7): Alopiidae (thresher shark), Cetorhinidae (basking shark), Lamnidae
(mackerel/white shark), Megachasmidae (megamouth shark), Misukurinidae (goblin
shark), Odontaspididae (sand/sand tiger shark), Pseudocarchariidae (crocodile shark)
10 genera, 16 species
Description: Lack of uniting characteristics. Two dorsal fins without spines, anal fin present; five gill
slits with large openings, last two gills may be above pectoral fin; spiracles usually present, small and
behind the eyes; eyes without nictitating membranes; mouth extending well behind the eyes. 1-10 m in
length, lateral keel on each side extending to fin.
Habitat: marine, oceanic and coastal, tropical and temperate
Distribution: widely distributed, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, Northern & Southern Hemispheres
Ecology and life history: internal fertilization, form of viviparity called oophagy. Embryos are nourished
by feeding on unfertilized eggs that the mother continues to ovulate. In gray nurse sharks the strongest
embryos hunt and consume siblings in uterus until only one pup survives. Produce numerous, small eggs.
In mackerel sharks, young are born at 50-60 cm length. In basking shark, sexual maturity is reached at 4-6
m. In some species, adults frequent the sea and young are found closer to shore (such as the thresher
shark). Range from filter feeders (Megachasmidae and Cetorhinidae) to predatory species that feed on
dolphins, whales and seals (Lamnidae).
Additional details: First fossil record from early Cretaceous
References used: www.fishbase.com
Paxton, J.R. and W.N. Eschmeyer. 1998. Encyclopedia of fishes 2nd ed. Academic
Press
Nelson, J.S. 1994. Fishes of the World. 3rd ed. Wiley and Sons, New York
Hexanchiformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass Gnathostomata – jawed fishes
Class Chondrichthyes – cartilaginous fishes
Subclass Elasmobranchii
Order Hexanchiformes
Families Chlamydoselachidae (frill shark) & Hexanchidae (cow sharks)
4 genera, 5 species
VT species: none, is an order of marine organisms
Description: primitive, jawed, cartilaginous, without spine, fusiform (Hexanchidae) or
saggitaform (Chlamydoselachidae), single posterior spineless dorsal fin , anal fin present, six or
seven gill slits, nictitating fold absent. Frill shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus) possessing
loose skin extending from the interbrachial septa (family Chlamydoselachidae). Length ranging
from a maximum of 2 m for the frill shark and up to a maximum of 4.7 (possibly 8) m in the
[bluntnnose] sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus).
Habitat: Marine, inhabiting continental shelf and slope waters (all species except the sevengill
shark [Notorynchus cepedianus]). The sevengill shark is known to inhabit shallow coastal
waters.
Distribution: Present in cold waters and warmer coastal waters (sevengill shark) from tropical
through temperate and boreal zones of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
Ecology and life history: Ovoviviparous, though little else known about many species in this
order given the difficulty of study in waters of the continental shelf and slope. At least two
species give birth in shallow waters. Mouth terminal (Chlamydoselachidae) or subterminal
(Hexanchidae), feeding on herring and similar small fishes, teeth with three cusps
(Chlamydoselachidae) or heterodont (Hexanchidae).
Additional details: Type of tricuspid teeth in the frill shark similar to those present in extinct
“cladodont” sharks, suggesting this species may be an evolutionary link between primitive and
modern sharks. The sixgill shark has been used in the production of oil and meal.
References used:
Bond, C.E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd. Ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth.
Martin, R. A. Carcharhiniformes: Ground or Whaler Sharks. ReefQuest Centre for Shark
Research. Accessed 25 Jan 2009.
<http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/shark_profiles/carcharhiniformes.htm>
Martin, R. A. hexanchiformes: Cow Sharks. ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research. Accessed
25 Jan 2009.
<http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/shark_profiles/hexanchiformes.htm>
Nelson, J.S. 1994. Fishes of the World, 3rd. ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York.
Squaliformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass- Gnathostomata (jawed fishes)
Class- Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish)
Order- Squaliformes
Families- Centrophoridae
Dalatiidae (sleeper sharks)
Etmopterus perryi - Dwarf Lanternshark
Isistius brasiliensis - Cookie-cutter Shark
Echinorhinidae (bramble sharks)
Squalidae (dogfish sharks)
Squalus acanthias - Spiny Dogfish
4 families, 23 genera, 74 species
Description: Five gill slits, no anal fin or nictitating lower eye lid, spiracles, and two dorsal fins toward
the middle to end of its body with or without a poisonous spine attached.
Habitat: Typically found in the deep ocean, some species are found in shallow parts of the ocean.
Distribution: Northern and Southern hemispheres in both tropical and polar waters.
Ecology and Life History: Thought to be mostly ovoviviparous but some are oviparous little is known
of their lifecylce. Average length is 2-3 feet but some species are as large as 21 feet (Somniosus
microcephalus) and as small as 8 inches (Etmopterus perryi)- Dwarf Lanternshark the smallest shark in
the world. Some species are generalist carnivorous feeders consuming crustacean, invertebrates, fishes
and other sharks. While others like the Cookie-cutter Shark (Isistius brasiliensis) are known for their
unique way of eating; it ambushes its prey, which consists of large marine mammals and fishes, and
carves out plugs of flesh from their bodies.
Additional details: Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) is among the most noted species in this order and
has commercial importance in Europe and Asia as food, liver oil, vitamins and sand paper. It has the
longest gestation period of any known shark 18-24 months.
References used:
Ellis, R. 1975. The Book of Sharks. Grosset and Dunlap, New York.
Lythgoe J. and G. Lythgoe. 1992. Fishes of the Sea. Blandford Press.
Migdalski EC and GS Fichter. 1976. Fresh and Salt Water Fishes of the World. Vineyard Books.
Nelson, J. S. 1994. Fishes of the World. 3rd. ed. Wiley and Sons, New York.
Paxton, J. R. and W. N. Eshmeyer. 1998. Encyclopedia of fishes. Academic Press.
Squatiniformes
TAXONOMY: Superclass Gnathostomata- Jawed fish
Class Chondrichthyes
Subclass Elasmobranchii- Sharks and Rays
Order Squatiniformes
Family Squatinidae- Angel sharks
1 genera, ~ 13 species
DESCRIPTION: flat body with wing-like pectoral fins. They have overlapping gill slits
not
attaching to head. Barbels on anterior margin. They have eyes. Two small spineless dorsal fins behind
pelvic fins, no anal fin. Caudal fin unique with lower lobe slightly longer than upper lobe (hypocercal).
Maximum length up to 2 M.
HABITAT: marine only, most inhabit shallow temperate, one species prefer deeper down to 1,300
meters.
DISTIBUTION: Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
ECOLOGY & LIFE HISTORY: Ovoviviparous, feed on small bony fishes, crustaceans, cephalopods,
gastropods and bivalves. Use a protrusible traplike jaw to snap up prey at a high speed.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: A sluggish fish. Their flattened bodies give resemblance to skates and rays.
At one time they were heavily fished and are now critically endangered. Not normally aggressive unless
stepped on.
References used:
www.fishbase.com
www.wikipedia.com
Pristiophoriformes
Taxomony:
Superclass Gnathostomata – Jawed Vertebrates
Class Chondrichthyes- Cartilaginous Fishes
Subclass Elasmobranchii
Order Pristiophoriformes
Family Pristiophoridae
2 genera, 5 species
Description:
Cartilaginous skeleton fishes, with long, elongated snouts that flatten and contain teeth on
the edges, similar to a sawblade. 2 barbels, one on each side of the head. Five to six gill
slits, two dorsal fins without spines. No anal fins. Marine only, ovoviviparous(embryos
feed on yolk).
Habitat: Mostly soft bottom habitat
Distribution: marine, temperate zone, warmer parts of the Indian to Pacific oceans, intertidal zone to
edge of continental shelf, mostly 40 ~ 915 m depths
Ecology and life history: Produce 4-12 young in large eggs, carry eggs in body cavity until eggs are
ready to hatch.
predators who search in soft sediment, stir up prey with flat nose, swing toothed snout to injure
prey.
Some of the order move in schooling patterns.
Additional details: Used for fishcakes in Asia.
First fossil evidence: Cretaceous, ~145.5 – 65.5 MYA
References used:
Bond, C. E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd. ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth
Fishbase.org
Rajiformes
Taxomony:
Superclass Gnathostomata
Class Chondrichthyes
Subclass Elasmobranchii – sharks, skates, and rays
Order Rajiformes – Skates and rays
Families (10)
Anacanthobatidae - Smooth skates; 1 genus 7 species
Dasyatidae - Stingrays; 9 genera 70 species
Gymnuridae - Butterfly rays; 2 genera 12 species
Hexatrygonidae - Sixgill stingrays; 1 genus 1 species
Myliobatidae - Eagle and manta rays; 7 genera 42 species
Plesiobatidae - Deepwater stingray; 1 genus 1 species
Potamotrygonidae - River stingrays; 3 genera 20 species
Rajidae - Skates; 14 genera 200 species
Rhinobatidae - Guitarfishes; 7 genera 45 species
Urolophidae - Round rays; 2 genera 35 species
Description: Ventral gill openings; anterior edge of the greatly enlarged pectoral fin attached to side of
head, anterior to the gill openings; anal fin absent; eyes and spiracles on dorsal surface; anterior
vertebrae fused to form a synarcual; suprascapulae of pectoral girdles joined dorsally over
vertebral column and articulating with column of synarcual or fused with synarcual; nictitating
membrane absent, cornea attached directly to skin around the eyes; body generally strongly
depressed; jaws protrusible in most; teeth pavementlike; cartilaginous
Habitat: Benthic to varying levels of water column
Distribution: Marine: tropical/subtropical waters, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans, South Africa,
some benthic in all oceans; Freshwater: neotropical
Ecology and life history: Except for those living off the bottom, water for breathing is taken in chiefly
through the spiracle rather than the mouth; most are viviparous (birth live young) while others
produce eggs encased in a horny capsule (oviparous); the snout may function as an
electroreceptive organ; found in marine, brackish, and fresh waters; generally carnivorous though
some are filter feeders
Additional details: Skate wings are considered good eating; Potamotrygonidae is the only living
chondrichthyan family restricted to freshwater habitats; manta rays among the largest fishes but
are harmless and some are known for their jumping ability high into the air; some species have
venomous spines on tail
References used:
www.fishbase.com
Coelacanthiformes
Taxonomy
Superclass- Gnathostomata
Class- Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fishes)
Order- Coelacanthiformes
Family- Latimeriidae
Genus- Latimeria
Species- Latimeria chalumnae, Latimeria menadoensis (None found in Vermont)
Description- Robust body, covered with bony scales with tubercles which act as armor. Two dorsal fins,
the second dorsal, anal and paired fins are lobed allowing if to fall in the Sarcopterygii class. Caudal fin
is rounded, with a small lobe projecting from the middle of the fin. Cartilaginous structure with a central
notochord. A rosteral organs in the skull acts as an electroreceptive device. Individuals can reach up to 2
m in length and weigh up to 68 kg.
Habitat- Sub-marine caves on steep drop offs greater than 100m deep.
Distribution- Distribution: Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros archipelago, and South Africa
Ecology and Life History- Coelacanthiformes are lone predators that feed on squids, cuttlefish, and other
fish that inhabit their deep reef habitat. The fish uses its rosteral organ to locate prey by swimming with
its head pointed at the ground with its belly up. They are known to be able to slow down there
metabolism and inhabit greater depths while demanding less energy. The fish are ovoviparous, meaning
20-60 eggs are stored in the oviduct where they feed on their yolk sac until they are born.
Additional Details- Although only two species in this order exist today, more than 120 fossilized species
are known to be related to the two species today. These fossilized creatures were thought to have gone
extinct more than 65 million years ago.
Referenceswww.fishbase.org, accessed on January 22, 2009
www.marinebio.org, accessed on January 22, 2009
Ceratodontiformes
Class Sarcopterygii- lobe-finned fishes
Order Ceratodontiformes
Family Ceratodontidae
Neoceratodus forsteri – Australian Lungfish (1 species)
Description: Lungfish have flipper like pectoral and pelvic fins, large scales and small eyes. The dorsal
fin starts midway down the back and is continuous with the caudal and anal fins. Their coloring is
usually an olive-green to brown and the sides contain scattered dark blotches and some white on the
ventral sides. One unique characteristic is that the Australian lungfish has only a single lung, while every
other lungfish posses a pair. They have the ability to breath air at the surface during water quality
changes.
Habitat and Distribution: Lungfish are seen primarily in freshwater like deep pools in still, slow
moving rivers. Their distribution is restricted to Queensland, Australia and they seek calm water with
aquatic vegetation suitable for spawning.
Ecology and Life History: The Australian lungfish feed off of other fishes, frogs, and invertebrates like
insect larvae, earthworms, snails, and freshwater crustaceans. It is believed that they use their sense of
smell along with electroreception to locate prey due to their poor vision. Spawning occurs at night from
August to December, with the most occurring in October. Fertilized eggs are attached to aquatic plants
and hatch in three weeks.
Additional Details: Lungfishes date back on the fossil record 380 million years ago. There are six
species of lungfish in total; four are apart of the genus Protopterus (Family Protopteridae) and inhabit
Africa. Lepidosiren paradoxa (Family Lepidosirenidae) are found in South America and the last is the
Australian lungfish, creating its own family. The South American Lungfish can only breathe air and can
live in moist mud for months at a time. Protopterus annectens is an African lungfish that forms a cocoon
by secreting mucous and stays dormant for several months during the dry season. The Australian
Lungfish do not demonstrate these characteristics and can only live out of water for a few days. This
particular species is protected and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora) has implemented strict regulations on its export. For an interesting fact there is an
Australian Lungfish at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago named ‘Granddad’ that is over eighty years old
and is believed to be the oldest fish in captivity.
References:
1. McGrouther, M. 2006. Fishes. Australian Museum Fish Site.
http://www.austmus.gov.au/fishes/fishfacts/fish/nforsteri.htm
2. www.fishbase.com
Lepidosireniformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass Gnathostomata - jawed vertebrates
Class Sarcopterygii - lobe-finned fishes
Order Lepidosireniformes - South American and African lungfish
Family Lepidosirenidae - South American lungfish
1 genera, 1 species - Lepidosiren paradoxa
Family Protopteridae - African lungfish
1 genera, 4 species - Protopteridae
Description: anguilliform, small scales deeply embedded in skin, filamentous pectoral and
pelvic fins without rays, membranous endocranium, paired lungs (gas bladder),
use atmospheric oxygen, ineffective reduced gills, species are 1-2 meters
Adults aestivate (dormant) during the dry season, larvae have external gills
Habitat: Mostly swampy habitat, which often contains low concentrations of dissolved oxygen;
only freshwater
Distribution: South America and Africa
Ecology and Life History: must come to the surface for air
when the swamps dry up, can burrow into muddy bottom and
create a mucous cocoon around themselves and can aestivate for several
months until the next rainy season
after aestivation and the fish return to full activity nests are constructed and breeding
begins ( African lungfish make nests from simple holes in swamp while South
American lungfish construct burrows), larvae are held in place by a secretion
from a cement organ on the breast region, eggs and larvae are guarded by the
male
Additional Details: swim bladder developed into a highly vascularized lung which enables them
to breathe air
First found 380 millions years ago
Provide evidence of continental drift between Africa and South America
References used:
Bond, C.E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd .ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth.
Paxton, J.R. and W.N. Eschmeyer. 1998. Encyclopedia of Fishes, 2nd . ed. Academic Press.
www.fishbase.com
South American lungfish
Polypteriformes
Taxonomy: Superclass: Gnathostomata (jawed)
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned)
Order: Polypteriformes
Families: Polypteridae
Genus (two): Polypterus (bichirs) and Erpetoichthys (reedfish)
Number of species: 10
Description: Olive brown to dark brown in color. May have irregular stripes or spots that can be dark or
clear. Anguilliform body with thick ganoid scales. Depressed head with terminal mouth and fleshy lips.
Anal fins are sexually dimorphic, with males displaying a broader and more muscular anal fin. Caudal fin
is distally rounded and has only rays. Bilobed swim bladder with the left lobe less developed. Have
functional gills and also a lunglike evagination near the esophagus which functions in gas exchange and
allows them to live in oxygen deficient water. Young have branched external gills which disappear in
adulthood. Have four gill arches versus the usual five in gnathostomes. Most are shorter then 30
centimeters in length, the maximum record is 1.2 meters. Dorsal fin is a series of separated small fins or
“finlets”, each with a spine.
Habitat: They live only in freshwater, in both fast and slow-moving rivers, swamps, floodplains, and
lakes. They are able to live in very oxygen-deficient, stagnant water.
Distribution: Found only in Africa, mostly Western and central Africa, with three species in the Nile
River. Nine out of the ten species can be found in the Zaire river basin. They are absent from all rivers
that drain into the Indian Ocean.
Ecology and life history: Carnivorous; eat insect larvae, snails, earthworms, freshwater crustaceans,
fishes, and amphibians. Nocturnal predators. Male uses enlarged anal fins and caudal fin to envelop
genital area of female during mating. Eggs adhere to vegetation. There is no parental care of the eggs or
fry. Larvae have amphibian-like appearance with large, feathery gills. Long-lived species; can live up to
fifty years in captivity.
Additional details:
- First fossil record occurs in the middle Jurassic, with fossils in both South America and Africa,
which suggests polypteriformes existed before Gondwanaland broke apart.
- Most primitive actinopterygian group
- One species, Erpetoichthys calabaricus, is somewhat terrestrial, and can survive on land for up to an
hour, using their lunglike evagination to breathe. This method of respiration is called recoil aspiration.
They use the passive recoil created from having rigid scales to inhale (instead of using positive pressure
like lungfishes). Since their scales are similar to those of the earliest tetrapods, it is thought possible that
the physiology behind recoil aspiration is a similar, independently derived trait.
- Important in the ornamental fish trade, and larger birchers are a highly regarded food in West Africa.
- No species are threatened or protected.
References used:
Barton, Michael. 2007. Bond’s Biology of Fishes, 3rd edition. Thomson Brooks/Cole, Belmont, CA.
http://www.answers.com/topic/polypteriformes-bichirs-biological-family
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/OrdersSummary.cfm?order=Polypteriformes
Acipenseriformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass Gnathostomata
Class Actinopterygii – Ray-finned Fish
Order Acipenseriformes
Families Acipenseridae (Sturgeon)
Polyodontidae (Paddlefish)
6 Genera, 25 species
Familiar Species: White Sturgeon, Atlantic Sturgeon
Description: Primarily cartilaginous endoskeleton
Heterocercal caudal fin, ganoid scales present on upper portion of caudal fin
Inferior mouth position, 2-4 barbels, gill rakers
Gills as well as separate air bladder, swim bladder
Differentiated from most other actinopterygians in the location of the anus and urogenital opening
at the base of the pelvics
Elongated body structure, up to 8 meters in some species, elongated snouts but length varies
among species
Habitat: Mostly anadromous between coastal waters and large rivers. Polyodontidae specific to fresh
water rivers and rare occasions of brackish water.
Distribution: Only found in northern portion of Northern hemisphere, holarctic distribution
Polyodontidae only found occasionally outside the Mississippi River and Yangtze River
Ecology and Life History: Diet consists of worms, crustaceans, plankton, and occasionally small fish,
bottom feeders but not scavengers
Migrate upstream to breeding grounds, adhesive eggs stick to rocks or substrate and hatch after 35 days, larvae (~ 1cm) drift downstream to suitable rearing habitat
Slow growth and long life span, reach sexual maturity around 8-12 years, males reach maturity
before females, some species can live over 100 years
Additional details: Most sought after for their flesh and for their eggs as caviar
Almost all species are threatened or endangered
References used:
Bond, C.E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd. ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth.
Paxton, J.R. and W.N. Eshmeyer. 1998. Encyclopedia of fishes 2nd ed. Academic Press.
Semionotiformes
Taxonomic Status:
*Superclass: Osteichthyes (bony fishes), Class: Actinopterygii, Order: Seminotiformes,
*There is one family: Lepisosteidae (gars), and 2 genera: Atractosteus (broadhead gars), and Lepisosteus
(slender gars)
*Local Species: longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseous)
Description:
*Body type: elongate (sagittiform)
*Long snouts containing needle-like teeth, heavily armored ganoid scales, short heterocercal tail, and
dorsal fin positioned far down the posterior, few dorsal rays with no spines, vascularized swim bladder
allowing for aerial respiration
Habitat:
*Occupy both fresh and brackish water, typically demersal, prefer shallow, weedy, and slow moving
water of lakes, ponds, and rivers.
Distribution:
*North and Central America
*Typically along the coasts and inland from Quebec to northern Mexico
Ecology/Life History:
*Piscivorous feeder with an ambush-style attack from a stationary position. They are voracious,
consuming a variety of fish and crustaceans
Additional Details:
*Their roe is poisonous and left unguarded during development.
*Their ability to aerially respire allows them to live in very low Oxygen environments
Amiiformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass:
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Amiiformes
Family: Amiidae (Caturidae, Liosmidae, and Sinamiidae are extinct)
Genera/Species: 1, Amia calva (Bowfin). Common names include Blackfish,
cottonfish, mudfish, & freshwater dogfish
Description: The long, bow-shaped dorsal fin is very recognizable, hence the name "bowfin." It consists
of 145-250 rays, and is single-lobed. There is a black eye spot that can be found high on the caudal
peduncle. One peculiar feature is the gular plate, located on the exterior of the lower jaw between the two
sides of the jawbone.
Habitat: Freshwater, in swampy, sluggish vegetated bays of warm lakes and rivers. It is suggested that
adults move into deeper water of these bays as they age.
Distribution: Eastern North America, including the eastern half of the lower 48 United States, southern
Ontario, and Quebec.
Ecology & Life History: Bowfins are predaceous, feeding on insects, larvae, ostracods, and other
zooplankton at the larval stage. As adults, other fish become the main source of food. They are slow,
cumbersome predators that rely on sight and scent. There are no natural predators of adult A. calva.
Additional Details: Humans generally consider the Bowfin to be a pest. They have no value as food and
are not fished commercially or recreationally. However, in many habitats they are important in controlling
other undesirable species.
References:
http://www.answers.com/topic/amiiformes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowfin
Osteoglossiformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass Gnathostomata
Class Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order Osteoglossiformes
Family Osteoglossidae – Arowanas
Hiodontidae – mooneyes (present in Vermont)
Notopteridae – knifefishes
Mormyridae – elephantifishes
Gymnarchidae (one sp., no common name)
Pantodontieae – butterflyfish
4 genera, 5 species
Description: Similar in appearance to arapaimatids. Elongate, slender bodies.
Most with very large scales. Unlike arapairmatid, osteoglossids have barbels present at the
symphasis of lower jaw, highly compressed abdomen (versus nearly cylindrical), and huge mouth
with a markedly oblique gape.
Pelvic fins well behind base of pectoral fins (in most species)
Some with suprabranchial organ and capable of air-breathing. Vertebrae 60-100.
Name originates from presence of well-developed teeth on tongue and parasphenoid bones
Notopterids and mormyrids generate and detect weak electric currents, used for communication
Both have highly tapered bodies with elongated anal fins used for locomotion
Butterflyfish have pelvic fin under pectoral fin, with elongated rays
Habitat: tropical, freshwater.
Distribution: Southeast Asia, Australia, New Guinea, and the Neotropical region.
Ecology and life history: Until recently, Osteoglossids were considered part of the arapairmatid
family. Most are omnivores or carnivores inhabiting quiet waters.
Additional details: Popular aquarium fish in Asia and N. America
References used:
Bond, C. E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth.
Nelson, Fishes of the World
www.fishbase.com
Elopiformes
Taxonomy
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Elopiformes—Tarpon, bonefishes, and allies
Families: 2 Elopidae, megalopidae
Genera: 3
Species: 7
Description
Large, herring like fish. Compressed to fusiform body form. Forked homocercal tail. Marine,
fresh, brackish water. Tarpon fossils date back 135 mya. Early species identified by boney throat, called
gular plates. Can breathe air at surface in low oxygen environments. M. atlanticus can reach 160kg, more
than 2m. Terminal to superior mouth. 22-29 anal fin rays. 10-11 pelvic fin rays. 13-16 Dorsal rays 13-16.
41-48 lateral line scales. 67-68 vertebrae. Lateral line tubes branched (radiates over surface of lat line
scales). Abdominal pelvic fins. Wide gill openings. Forked caudle fin. Cycloid scales. Larva, called
leptocephali, are small with well developed forked caudle fin and posterior dorsal fin. 53-86 myomeres.
Zero spines.
Habitat
Fresh water, brackish, marine. Reef oriented. Tropcal.
Distribution
USA, to Argentina, to Africa.
Ecology and life history
Anadromous. Born in sea, but larvae end up in estuarine nursery grounds.
Additional details
Flesh not edible, but excellent sport fish due to size and behavior when caught.
Refs:
Paxton, J.R. & W. N. Eschmeyer. 1998. Encyclopedia of Fishes, 2nd ed. Saunders College Publishing,
Fort Worth.
Nelson, J. S. 1994. Fishes of the World. 3rd. ed. Wiley and Sons, New York.
www.fishbase.com
Albuliforms
Taxonomy:
Superclass Gnathostomata
Class Actinopterygii – ray-finned fishes
Order Albuliforms - bonefishes
Family Albuloidei - bonefishes
2 genera, ~ 10 species
Description: The body is long, thin, fusiform shape. Dissimilar fishes in the order, but share snout and
inferior mouth, sensory canals on snout, and rostral ossicles. Lateral sensory canals can be large and
cavernous. Mandibular sensory canal in opening in dentary and angular bones (with small roof).
Abdominal pelvic fins, low-based pectoral fins, forked caudal fins.
Habitat: Mainly marine waters, but also fresh waters, and brackish waters. Many reef associated; marine
tropical climates from 0-84 ft.
Distribution: Tropical and subtropical waters around the world including Florida, Caribbean, pacific
coast of Central America, deep waters off of Japan and West Africa.
Ecology and life history: Live in shallow sandy flats in tropical regions while other suborders live in
very deep waters. Develop from leptocephalus larvae. Eggs and larvae start out in deep water. When
reach sexual maturity from 1-2 yrs, move to shallower waters. Can tolerate oxygen poor waters. Inhales
air through airbladder to get oxygen from the water. They typically eat benthic organisms with help from
their plated teeth and tongue that grind up prey.
Additional details: Prized game fish in tropical and subtropical waters of world.
References used:
Bond, C. E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd . ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth. P.137
Family Albulidae – Bonefishes. Retrieved Saturday, January 24, 2009 from
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/FamilySummary.cfm?Family=Albulidae
Bonefish - MarineBio.org. Retrieved Sunday, January 25, 2009, from
http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=393
Anguilliformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass Gnathostomata- jaw bearing fishes
Class Actinopterygii- ray finned fishes
Order Anguilliformes- aprodes
~15-20 Families
Anguillidae- eels
Muraenidae- morays
Congridae- conger eels
~110 Genera, 400-600 Species
VT Species: Anguilla rostrata- American eel
Description: Elongate, anguilliform (eel-like) fishes with a large number of vertebrae. Scales are absent
in many families but some have embedded cycloid scales.
Dorsal and anal fins are confluent with the caudal fin. Pelvic fins and girdles absent in more modern eels.
Some also lack pectoral fins and girdles. When pectoral fins present, girdle is not connected with the
skull.
Gill openings usually small and narrow and are displaced posteriorly from the edge of the concealed
operculum. Gill rakers absent; Toothed maxilla; 4-16 branchiostegal rays. Gas bladder is present and
usually physostomous. Oviducts absent.
Habitat: Found in marine, freshwater and brackish habitats such as lakes, streams, coral reefs and the
open ocean. Most true eels dwell in shallow waters and often burrow in soft sediment, however, some
species are pelagic.
Distribution: Mostly marine or catadromous. Found in tropical and temperate oceans and rivers draining
into the North Atlantic, Mediterranean and Baltic.
Ecology and Life History: External fertilization occurs. The eggs are relatively large. After a prolarval
stage there is a leptocephalous larval stage in development, during which they are long, transparent and
laterally compressed. The larvae drift and feed opportunistically throughout the water column.
Metamorphose into juveniles, called elvers, after between 6 months and 3 years. Disperse to adult habitat
via currents. Most juveniles are hermaphroditic. Adults are predatory.
Additional Details: Many species of eels are eaten by people, especially in Asian cuisine. They are also
extremely popular in the aquarium trade.
References Used:
Bond, C. E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd. Ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth
www.fishbase.com
Clupeiformes
Taxonomy: Super class- Agnatha
ClassActinopterygii ( ray-finned fishes)
OrderClupeiformes
FamilyChirocentridae ( wolf herring),
Clupeidae,
Denticipitidae (Denticle herring),
Engraulidae (Anchovies),
Pristigasteridae,
Sundasalangidae ( Sundaland noodlefishes)
Discription:
They are small and covered in large scales. They are fusiform in shape and have black and
silvery toned bodies. Many of the Clupeiformes have a row of spiny scales along the middle of the body.
They have soft rayed fins. Clupeiformes do not have a lateral line present. They have forked tails and a
single dorsal fin towards the center of the body. They have true bone skeleton.
Habitat:
Live in open water. Most often found in salt water habitats. Often swim close to the surface of the
water at night but then swim deeper during the day.
Distribution:
Clupeiformes are found world wide between 70 degrees North and 60 degrees South.
Ecology and Life History:
Clupeiformes form large schools of hundreds to thousands of individuals in a single school. Many
Clupeiformes migrate. Clupeiformes produce a large number of offspring in seasonal spawning. They
feed on plankton with gill rakers.
Additional details:
Only known group to have a recessus lateralis present.
References:
Bond, C. E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd. Ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth.
www.fishbase.com
http://animals.jrank.org/pages/2009/Herrings-Clupeiformes.html
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Clupeiformes.html
http://www.answers.com/topic/clupeiformes
________________________________________________________________________
Gonorynchiformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass Gnathostomata- jawed fishes
Class Actinopterygii- ray finned fishes
Order Gonorynchiformes
4 Families: Chanidae- 1 genus, 1 species- milkfish (Chanos chanos)
Gonorynchidae- 1 genus, 5 species- beaked salmon/sandfish
Knaeriidae- 4 genera, 30 species- knerias and shell-ears
Phractolaemidae- 1 genus, 1 species- hingemouth
Description: Unifying characteristic is the modified first three vertebrae and ribs. Differ from Ostophysi
because they lack fully developed Weberian apparatus. All have lateral line, forked caudal fin, paired fins.
Other characteristics vary by family. Chanidae: compressed fusiform body, cycloid scales, terminal
mouth, 4-5 brachiostegal rays. Gonorynchidae: elongate/sagittiform body, ctenoid scales, subterminal
mouth, lack swim bladder, pointed snout with barbels. Knaeriidae and Phractolaemidae:
elongate/sagittiform body, cycloid scales, subterminal mouth, alveoli in swim bladder that enables air
breathing. Some members of Kneriidae have a cup-shaped structure on the operculum that gives them the
name shell-ear.
Habitat: Variable based on family. Chanidae: marine near reefs or coast as well as inland estuaries,
mangroves or freshwater streams. Gonorynchidae: marine coastal. Kneriidae and Phractolaemidae:
tropical freshwater streams and rivers.
Distribution: Chanidae and Gonorynchidae in Indian and tropical Pacific oceans. Kneriidae and
Phractolaemidae in tropical Africa and Nile.
Ecology and Life History: Feed on algae and invertebrates. Gonorynchidae are nocturnal and remained
buried in the sand during the day. Chanidae eggs and larvae are marine, but migrate inland to brackish or
freshwater after 2-3 weeks, returning to the sea to spawn. Some members of Kneriidae and
Phractolaemidae may estivate.
Additional details: Milkfish are an important fish food in Asia.
References used:
Bond, C. E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth.
www.fishbase.com
Chanidae (Chanos)
Gonorynchidae (Gonorynchus)
Cypriniformes I
Taxonomy:
Superclass: Osteichthyes
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Cypriniformes
Superfamily
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cobitioidea&action=edit&redlink=1Cobitioidea
Family Balitoridae - river loaches
37 genera, 500 species
Family Catostomidae - suckers
13 genera, 68 species
Quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus)
Longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus)
White sucker (Catostomus commersoni)
Greater redhorse (Moxostoma valenciennesi)
Silver redhorse (Moxostoma anisurum)
Shorthead redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum)
Family Cobitidae - loaches
18 genera, 110 species
Family Gyrinocheilidae - algae eaters
1 genera, 4 species
Description: Kinethmoid bone, upper jaw usually protractile, toothless except Pharyngeal teeth
in throat, absent adipose fin, scale less head, single dorsal fin
Habitat: Freshwater
Distribution: Most diverse in Southeast Asia absent from Australia and South America
Ecology and life history: Families Balitoridae and Gyrinocheilidae reside in mountain streams
and feed on invertebrates and algae. Cobitidae are catfish like in that they have barbells and feed
primarily on substrate.
Additional Details: Catostomidae is the only family found in Vermont with 6 species. Some
cypriniformes are fished for but the most popular use is for aquariums. Cyprinids are first to
develop upper protrusible jaw.
References used:
Helfmen, G.S. B.B, Collette, D.E. Facey. 1997. The Diversity of Fishes. Blackwell
Science Inc.
Langdon, R.W., M.T. Ferguson, K.M. Cox. 2006. Fishes of Vermont. Vermont
Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Nelson, J.S., 1994. Fishes of the world. Third edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New
York.
Cypriniformes II - Cypronoidea
Taxonomy:
Superclass: Osteichthyes
Class: Actinopterygii
Subclass: Neopterygii
Superorder: Ostariophysi
Order: Cypriniformes (Carp)
Superfamily: Cyprinoidea
Families: Cyprinidae
Description: Body is compressiform, with one dorsal fin. The caudal fin tends to be emarginated. Pelvic
fins tend to be approximately at the ½ point of the body, and the pectoral fins are low, but not ventral.
Cyprinids lack jaw-teeth. They have both an incurrent naris and an excurrent naris over their olfactory
rosettes. They are characterized by subcarangiform swimming, due to their thicker forebody, relegating
undulations to the rear 2/3 of the body.
Habitat: Cyprinids are found in freshwater lakes and streams in a great variety of climates. They tend
more towards bottom-feeding.
Distribution: large distribution, including nearly all of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and North America.
They are not found in South America or Australia.
Ecology and Life History: the majority of cyprinids scatter their eggs and make spawning a communal
process. However, like many of their other traits, this is extremely plastic, and there are many extremely
elaborate mating rituals.
They are commonly farmed in Asia and florida, leading to their introduction as invading species in those
areas, where commercial types have replaced much of the native fauna.
feeding strategy is highly variable, even within species.
Additional Details: Cypronids tend to have a higher tolerance for warm water than most fish, and thus
also for lower oxygen levels. They show tremendous plasticity in their mouthparts, even for a fish. Both
of these traits may be related to how it has adapted to such variable environments.
References Used:
Bond, C.E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd. Edition. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth.
Paxton, J.R. and W.N. Eshmeyer. 1998. Encyclopedia of Fishes, 2nd Edition. Academic Press.
Characiformes
Taxonomy: Superclass Gnathostomata – jawed fishes
Class Actinopterygii – ray-finned fishes
Superorder Ostariophysi
Order Characiformes- characins and relatives
Families Acestrorhynchidea, Alestidea, Anostomidea, Characidae (tetras, piranhas),
Chilodontidae, Citharinidae, Crenuchidae, Ctenoluciidae, Curimatidae, Cynodonidae,
Distichodontidae, Erythrinidae, Gasteropelecidae (hatchetfishes), Hemiodontidae,
Hepsetidae, Lebiasinidae (pencilfish), Parodontidae, Prochilodontidae
~270 genera, over 1500 species
Description: Opposing pharyngeal teeth, an adipose fin, separation of the first hypural from the
compound ural centrum (in adults), orbitosphenoid, parietal, symplecic, and subopercular bones are
present, jaws are present and barbells are absent, body almost always scaled, ctenoid or ctenoidlike scales
in some, pelvic fin present (with 5-12 rays), anal fin short to moderately long (fewer than 45 rays), lateral
line often decurved, sometimes incomplete, usually 19 principal caudal fin rays, obtains a structure called
the Weberian apparatus (a distinctive modification of the anterior-most four or five vertebrae, connecting
the swim bladder to the inner ear, possibly for efficient sound transmission)
Habitat: Tropical, found in fresh water, lakes, rivers, and streams
Distribution: Africa and South America, north through Central America and Mexico to the Rio Grande
in Texas
Ecology and life history: Most are carnivores, largest can reach up to 100-130 cm in length and up to 50
Kg, the smallest do not exceed 26 mm in length, variety of feeding modes (detritivory, herbivory,
planktivory, predatory)
Additional details: Piranhas, tetras, hatchetfishes, and pencilfishes are popular in the aquarium trade,
others have commercial importance as a food resource for human communities living along the banks of
tropical river (African citharinids and Neotropical prochilodontids), some Characidae are important sportfishing species, controversy over how many families exist (12-18)
References used:
Bond, C.E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd. Ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth
www.fishbase.com
www.tolweb.org
Siluriformes
Taxonomic status:
Superclass Gnathostomata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Siluriformes
20-30+ families, 436 genera, ~2500 species
examples: Diplomystidae (velvet catfishes), Callichthyidae (armored catfish)
Description: no true scales, skin is bare or covered in bony plates, barbels present on most species,
adipose fin usually present, flattened head allows for digging and benthic feeding, pectoral and dorsal fins
have large modified spiny rays, spines have venom glands and a locking mechanisms that can hold dorsal
fins erect
Habitat: some marine families, most families inhabit shallow running freshwater, a few families inhabit
caves
Distribution: found on every continent except Antarctica (found as fossils), more than half live in the
Americas
Ecology: extremely diverse in appearance and life history (some species breathe air and can ‘walk’ on
land), range in length from 10mm (trichomycterids) to 5m (European wels), most are omnivorous
however some families are parasitic, most species are nocturnal and depend on tactile/chemosensitive
barbels or enlarged olfactory organs, most species provide parental care to eggs and some provide care to
young
Additional details: depending on global location many species are of major economic importance
(Ictalurus punctatus supports a $450 million/yr aquaculture industry), because of their global distribution
and diversity they are of great interest to evolutionary biologists
References:
Bond, C. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth.
FishBase. www.fishbase.org.
Integrated Taxonomic Information System. www.itis.gov/index.html.
Tree of Life web project. http://tolweb.org/Siluriformes.
giant Mekong catfish (Pangasianodon gigas)
Gymnotiformes
Taxonomy:
Superclass Gnathostomata -- vertebrates with jaws
Class Actinopterygii -- ray-finned fishes
Order Gymnotiformes -- knifefishes
Families Apteronotidae, Gymnotidae Hypopomidae,
Sternopygidae
Rhamphichthyidae,
5 genera ~ 155 species
VT species None present
Description: Body eel-like, pelvic girdle and fins absent, dorsal fin absent, anal fin extremely long (more
than 140 rays), caudal fin absent or greatly reduced, restricted gill openings, anal opening under head or
pectorals; basal pterygiophores to anal fin with only one section and a hemispherical cartilaginous head
that articulates the fin rays (allowing them to move in a circular motion), electric organs present, suboperculum absent, palatine not ossified, maxilla rudimentary.
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and streams in Neotropic areas (warm waters and an abundance of plants and
animals)
Distribution: Guatemala to Northern Argentina.
Ecology and life history: Theories about why there are no Gymnotiformes in Africa is because they did
not spread far enough before continental drift occurred or that they were out competed by other species.
Additional details: They are from the late Jurassic time period (206 to 144 million years ago). The
electric charges that these fish possess are used for defense and hunting.
References used:
Agbayani, E. 2005. Order Summary for Gymnotiformes. Fishbase.com. Accessed January 23, 2009 at
http://www.fishbase.org/summary/ordersSummary. cfm?order=Gymnotiformes.
Esociformes
Superclass: Gnathostomata- Jawed fishes
Class: Actinopterygii- ray-finned fishes
Order: Esociformes- mudminnows and pikes
Families: Esocidae & Umbridae (also Dalliidae according to Bond)
4 genera, and 10 species
Description: The Esocidae are medium to large size carnivorous fish found in freshwater that have jaw
and snout extended into a long mouth. Have an elongated body with medial fins set rearward with a
sagittaform body. Forked tail.
The Umbridae are small fish, usually less than 15cm long. Also have medial fins set rearward on the
body.
Habitat: Esocidae prefer aquatic vegetation or other cover that they can ambush prey from. While
Umbridae prefer bogs, stagnant ditches, and streams of low gradient which have muddy bottoms hide in.
Distribution: freshwater, northern parts of the northern hemisphere in North America and Eurasia, 74°N
- 25°N
Ecology and Life History: Sit and wait predators that use quick burst of speed to capture their prey.
Additional Details: The Esocidae are considered sport fish throughout their range.
References:
www.fishbase.org
Myers, P., R. Espinosa, C. S. Parr, T. Jones, G. S. Hammond, and T. A. Dewey. 2008. The Animal
Diversity Web (online). Accessed January 25, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.org.
Bond, C.E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth.