Chondrichthyes: Spottd Eagle Ray
MorphologySpotted eagle rays have a dorsoventrally flattened body. They have bilateral symmetry and are countershaded. This is sometimes used to blend into their surroundings. Spotted Eagle Rays also have a whip-like tail which has approximentaly 2-6 spines. Also the spotted eagle rays, like other rays, are demersal which means they live primarily on the bottom.
Distribution MapFacts- Occasionally rays can be seen breaching.
- Females can give birth to 4 live young. - Rays mostly feed on bivalve shellfish. - Spotted eagle rays are live in coastal waters in shallow bays and coral reefs. - Spotted eagle rays are very shy and stay away from divers. |
BiologyThe spotted eagle rays snout is rouned and pointed toward the end which resembles an eagle's beak. Also spotted eagle rays have placoid scales. These scales, when rubbed the wrong way, feel like sandpaper.
Importance: Ecological and EconomicalEcological: Spotted eagle rays are highly needed as food for many shark species including the great hammerhead shark.
Economical: The spotted eagle ray is much used by humans as a sporting fish. They are difficult to capture and put up a good fight. Also when caught spotted eagle rays are often used for fishmeal and oil. VocabularyDorsoventrally flattened - flattened along the dorsaland ventral side
Countershading - darker colors on the dorsal side and light colors on the ventral side Sporting fish - fish hunted for pleasure Breaching - jumping out of the water Bivalve - a mollusk with a hinged shell |
Osteichthyes: Threadfin Butterflyfish
MorphologyThe threadfin butterflyfish has bilateral symmetry. They have one dorsal fin with or without a black spot. Also they have perpendicular black bands on their white bodies and the upper back part of their body is yellow. The threadfin butterflyfish gets 20-23 cm long.
Distribution MapFacts
-The threadfin butterflyfish can get anywhere from 20-23 cm long.
-This fish gets its name from the thin extension streaming from its dorsal fin. -This fish is very calm and peaceful. -Threadfin butterflyfishes don't mind divers observing them. -The threadfin butterflyfish is also known as the cross-stripe butterflyfish. |
Biology
Importance: Ecological and EconomicalEcological: Threadfin butterflyfish are important in reducing the amount of algae that produces on coral. Also butterflyfish are important prey for some predators.
Economical: May be possible to use threadfin butterflyfish as bio-indicators in order to monitor coral reef ecosystems. VocabularyBilateral - mirror-like symmetry
Obscures - to keep from being seen eyespot - an eye-like marking dorsal fin - an unpaired fin on the back of a fish snout - projecting nose and mouth |