Taxonomy of finfish

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 Introduction
Origin of the word Taxonomy
 The term ‘taxonomy’ is derived from 2 Greek words ‘taxis’ - arrangement and ‘nomos’ – law.
 The name taxonomy was first proposed by Candolle (1813).
 Ichthyology- Study of fishes
 Peter Artede- Father of Ichthyology
Definition of Taxonomy
The theory and practice of classifying organisms based on the similarities and differences by
following certain internationally accepted principles, laws, rules and regulations is called taxonomy.

Father of Taxonomy- Carolus Linnaeus- He is a Swedish botanist, zoologist, taxonomist, and

physician. He formalized binomial nomenclature. He is also known as the "father of modern
taxonomy. His famous books are Systema Naturae and Species Plantarum

Carolus Linnaeus

Basics terms used in Taxonomy

i. Classification
It is the practice of arranging organisms into groups or categories.

ii. Taxa (Taxon)

Group of organisms recognized in a classification and given biological names (e.g.
Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae, and Cyprinus)

iii. Category
The level or rank at which the taxon is placed (e.g. order, family and genus)

iv. Systematics
It is a biological science that discovers names, determines relationships, classifies and
studies evolution of living organisms.

v. Identification
Placing the individual to each taxon by deductive procedure.

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Stages of Taxonomy
i. Alpha taxonomy
Description of new species and its arrangements in comprehensive genera.

ii. Beta taxonomy

Relationships are worked out on the species level and on higher categories.
iii. Gamma taxonomy
Studying the intraspecific variations and its evolutionary relationship.
Types of Taxonomy
1. Hierarchical- Classification is based upon the morphological and anatomical characters. This
classification is conducted by Berg.
2. Phylogenetic- Based on ancestral history and conducted by Hemming. He classified the
fishes in diagram called Cladogram.
Importance of Fish taxonomy
 It reveals numerous interesting evolutionary phenomena in ichthyology.
 Avoids exotic species which may otherwise harm the habitats and native fauna.
 Proper identification of fishes helps in museum development and maintenance.
 Correct identification of a particular candidate finfish for aquaculture is very important for
successful culture practice.
 Correct scientific name is a functional label by which the information concerning to that
organism can be retrieved.
Nomenclature

• It is a system of scientific names applied to taxonomic units of animals inclusive of both

extant and extinct groups.

• The international code of zoological nomenclature (ICZN) is a system of rules and

recommendations authorized by the International Congresses of Zoology.

The generally accepted categories are as follows:

• Kingdom
• Phylum
• Subphylum
• Class
• Subclass
• Superorder
• Order

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 • Suborder
• Superfamily
• Family
• Subfamily
• Genus
• Subgenus
• Species
• Subspecies
 Normally, in the classification of finfishes the six categories namely, species, genus,
family, order, class and phylum are followed.
 In finfish order always ends with ’formes’ (e.g. Cypriniformes, Clupeiformes, etc.)
 Superfamily ends with ‘oidea’ (e.g. Clupeoidea, etc.)
 Family ends with ‘idae’ (e.g. Scombridae, Sciaenidae, etc.)
Nomenclature change

i. Nomen nudum
A species name published without satisfying the condition of availability.

ii. Nomen dubium

Available evidence is insufficient to permit recognition of zoological species

iii. Nomen oblitum

Name that has been remained unused and forgotten (More than 50 years)

iv. Nomen Conservandum

Name preserved by action of commission and placed on the appropriate official
list.

Morphological Characters

Types of Measurement

 Morphometrics - refers to the quantitative measurement form. It analyses lengths, widths,

masses, angles, ratios and areas. These are like measurement of size.
 Meristic- These are countable structures of fishes such as fin spines and rays, gill rakers,
lateral line scales, and branchiostegal rays.

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Mainly Fishes is of 2 classes

 Elasmobranch- Cartilegenous fish, 5-7 pairs of gill slits without operculum, placoid
scale
 Teleostomy- Bony fishes, Gills with operculum (4 pairs), Cycloid and ctenoid scale.
Types of Scales

 Cycloid- outer margin is smooth. Ex- Bony fishes

 Ctenoid- Similar to cycloid except serrated margin. Ex- Bony fishes
 Ganoid- Found in primitive fishes. Ex-Bowfin, paddle fishes, gars and strurgeons
 Placoid-Found in cartilaginous fishes which having dermal denticles. Ex- Sharks and
rays
*Cosmoid-Similar to placoid scales and probably evolved from the fusion of placoid scales.
They consist of two basal layers of bone, a layer of dentine-like cosmine, and an outer layer
of vitrodentine. Ex- Lungfishes and fossil fishes.

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 Classification of animal Kingdom

Kingdom Animalia

Phyllum Phyllum

Chordata Non-Chordata

Sub-phyllum Sub-phyllum
Protochordata
Vertebrata

Clade Infra phyllum

Urochordata Hemichordata Craniata Acraniata

Super class
Agnatha (Jawless) Gnatho (with jaw)

Pisces

Reptiles
Ostracodermata Cyclostomata
Amphibians

Aves

Mammals

Then Pisces again divided in to 7 types

1. Pterychthys
Exintict
2. Coccastei
3. Acanthodi
4. Holocephali
5. Elasmobranch-
6. Dipnoi

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 7. Teleostomy

Holocephali-

 Live in deep waters

 Endo-skeleton cartilegenous
 Large head and eyes
 Gill slits covered by flap skins
 Caudal fin developed in to rat like tail
 Rudimentary operculum
 Stomach absent
 Teeth in the form of grinding plate Holocephali
 Eats Crustaceans and molluscs
 Ex- Chimaeras (King of herrings)

Elasmobranch-

 Endo skeleton cartilegenous

 Operculum absent
 Air bladder absent
 Placoid Scales
 Clasper present in male
 Ex- Sharks and skates
Elasmobranch
Dipnoi (Lung fishes)

 Air breathing fishes

 Paired fins are present
 caudal, dorsal and anal fin connected
 Pectoral fin long and tubular
 operculum present
 Covered with cycloid scales
 Cloaca present Protopterus
 Leptocercal tail
 2 internal nostril
 Ex- Protopterus, lepedosiren (2 lung)
Neoceratodus(1 lung)

Teleostomy

 Air bladder present

 Cloaca absent

*Oldest and most primitive lung fish- Dipterus

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 Taxonomic Position of Fish
Kingdom- Animalia
Phyllum- Chordata
Sub phylum- Vertebrata
Infra phylum-Gnathostomata
Super Class- Pisces (Fish)

Super Class
Pisces
Class

Class Teleostomy

Sub class

Crossopterygee Actinoptergygee

 Lobed fin fishes  Rayed fin fishes

 Nostril is internal  Nasal opening
 Diphycercal tail are outside
 Ex- Latimeria(Cosmoid  Ex- Many fishes
scales)- Living Fossil

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 1. Order- Osteoglossoformes (Bony tongue fishes)

i. Family- Notopteridae

Features
 Commonly known as feather backs and knife fishes.
 Body is slender, elongated, bodies, giving them a knife-like appearance.
 The caudal fin is small and fused with the anal fin, which runs most of the length of the
body.
 the dorsal fin is small and narrow, giving rise to the common name of "featherback"
 Notopterids have specialized swim bladders.
 Swim bladder can absorb oxygen from air and also functions to produce sound by
squeezing air through a narrow passage into the pharynx.
 Chiefly freshwater; sometimes in brackish water.
Species

 Notopterus notopterus
 Notopterus chitala

Difference between Notopterus notopterus and Notopterus chitala

Notopterus notopterus Notopterus chitala

 Known as rajor fish  Known as hump backed rajor fish
 Cranium dorsal profile slightly concave  Cranium dorsal profile highly concave
 Maxilla is mid of the eye  Maxilla crosses the eye
 Dorsal fin is at exactly centre  15 nos. of silvery bars

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 2. Order- Elopiformes (Ray finned fin fishes)
They have a long fossil record, easily distinguished from other fishes by the presence of
an additional set of bones in the throat

i. Family- Elopidae (lady fish)

Features
 They are commonly known as ladyfish, skipjacks, jack-rashes, or ten
pounders.
 The body is fusiform (tapering spindle shape) and oval in cross-section
 Slightly laterally compressed
 Eyes are large and partially covered with adipose eyelids.
Species

Elops machanata (Ten pounder) - Lady finger fish

ii. Family- Megalopidae (tarpons)

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Features
 Swim bladder partially cellular, lung like and connected with the ear
 Scales large and 23–25 branchiostegal rays.
 Dorsal fin filamentous and elongated
 They have dorsal and anal soft rays and bluish or greenish backs.
 Tarpons possess shiny, silvery scales that cover most of their bodies, excluding the
head.
 They have large eyes with adipose eyelids and broad mouths with prominent lower
jaws that jut out farther than the rest of the face.
Species

Megalops cyprinoides (Indian Tarpons)

3. Angulliformes (Eels)

Features

 Lack of pelvic fins and pectoral fins

 Typical operculum is absent.
 Continuous dorsal, anal, and caudal fins that can have up to 650 soft rays, giving
some individuals the appearance of having a pointed tail.
 Most species also lack scales
 The gill openings usually are narrow, with the gill region elongated and the gills
displaced posteriorly.
 These species also have lost gill rakers.
 They are present in both fresh and marine water

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 i. Family- Angullidae
 These are ray-finned fish that contains the freshwater eels.
 Usually catadromous fishes in tropical and temperate waters.
 Eel like body with minute or embedded scales.
 Dorsal and caudal fin confluent with anal fin.
 Important aquaculture species based on captured juveniles (elvers); widely
introduced.
 All spend their juvenile and adult life in freshwater, returning to the ocean to
spawn and die.
 The leptocephalus larvae are marine with sharply pointed tail which
distinguishes the family from the elopids.
Species

A. bengalensis
A. bicolor

ii. Family- Murallidae

 Fresh water eels
 Known as Marary eels
 2 important genus: Lycodontis and Thrysoidae

Morary eels

Species
 Lycodonts tile (Hamilton buchanan)
 Thrysoidae macrura
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 iii. Muraenesocidae

Conger eel

 It has 2 genus: Congresox and Muraenesox

Species
 Congresox talabon
 Muraenosox bagio

4. Order- Clupeiformes

 Lateral line absent

 Abdomen with keeled scutes
 No teeth
 Swim bladder bifurcated
 yolk sac segmented

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  They are generally silvery fish with streamlined, spindle-shaped, bodies, and
they often school.
 Most species eat plankton which they filter from the water with their gill rakers.
 Under this 4 sub orders
i. Sub order- Clupeidea (Herrings, sardines, shads)
ii. Sub order-Pristigasteridea (Ilishas and Pellonas)
iii. Sub order- Engraulidea (Anchovy)
iv. Sub order- Chirocentridea (Wolf herrings)
i. Sub order- Clupeidea

 Clupeidae is a family of ray-finned fishes

 It includes many of the most important food fishes in the world, and are
also commonly caught for production of fish oil and fish meal.
 Many members of the family have a body protected with shiny cycloid
(very smooth and uniform) scales
 Having single dorsal fin, and a fusiform body for quick, evasive swimming
and pursuit of prey composed of small planktonic animals.
 Due to their small size and position in the lower trophic level of many
marine food webs, the levels of methylmercury they bioaccumulate are
very low, reducing the risk of mercury poisoning when consumed

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 Mainly include many families like
 Family 1- Alosinae
 Family 2-Dorosomatinae
 Family 3-Pellonulinae
 Family 4-Clupeinae
 Family 5- Dissumierinae
Family 1- Alosinae

 These are anadromous and semi-anadromous fish

species
o Gudusea chapra (River shad)
o Hilsa ilisha (Tenulosa)- Indian Shad- Anadromous fish
(Sea-River)

Hilsa ilisha
Gudusea chapra

Family 2-Dorosomatinae

 Gizzard fish
 Stomach is gizzard like

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 Species
Anodontosoma chacunda (Chawnda gizzard fish)
Nematolosa nasus (last dorsal fin filamentous, famous in Chilika
lake)

Nematolosa nasus
Family
Anodontosoma 3-Pellonulinae
chacunda

Family 3-Pellonulinae

 Fresh water herrings

Species

 Corica soborna
 Dayella malabarica

Corica soborna Dayella malabarica

Family 4-Clupeinae

Species-
 Sardinella longiceps (Oil Sardine)
 Sardinella frimbriata (Fringate sardine)
 Sardinella albella (Short bodied sardine)
 Sardinella malanura (Black striped sardine)
 Kowala coval (White sardine)

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 Family 5- Dissumierinae
 These are round herrings and rainbow sardines
 Ventral side have W shaped scute.
Species
o Dussumieria acuta
o Dussumieria hassalti

2. Sub order-Pristigasteridae (Ilishas and Pellonas)

 These are include ilishas & pellonas
Species
 Ilisha elongata
 Ilisha megalopteran
 Ilisha melanoptera
 Opisthopterus tardoore- Pelvic fin absent

Ilisha elongata
Ilisha megalopteran

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 Opisthopterus tardoore

3. Sub order-Engraulidae

 Anchovies

Species
 Stolephorus indicus
 S. commersonii White baits, Indian Anchovy
 Coilia
Golden anchovy
dussumier  Coilia ramakarti
 Setipina phassa
 Thryssa dissumiere
 Thryssa hamiltoni

Stolephorus indicus Stolephorus commersonii

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 Coilia dussumiere

Coilia ramkarti

Setipina phassa Thryssa dissumiere

Thryssa hamiltoni

4. Sub order- Chirocentridae

 Without any abdominal scutes
 wolf herrings
 Canine teeth in both the jaws

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Species
 Chirocentrus dorab

Chirocentrus dorab

5. Order- Gonorhynchiformes

 Eye is covered by adipose eyelid

 Large auxiliary scale at the base of the pectoral fin
1. Family- Chanide

Mouth with a tubercle and upper jaw having notch

Species
Chanos chanos (Milk fish)

6. Order- Myctophiformes / Scopeliformes

• They have light producing organs
• They have adipose dorsal fin
2 families mainly
1. Family- Harpadontidae
2. Family- Synodidae
1. Family- Harpadontidae
 Caudal fin trilobed
 Adipose dorsal fin
Species- Harpadon neherius(Bombay duck)

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 Harpadon neherius
2. Family- Synodidae
 Adipose dorsal fin
Species

 Greater lizard fish- Saurida tumbil

 Brushtooth lizard fish- Saurida undosquamis
 Blount nose lizard fish- Technocephalus myops

7.Order-Atheriniformes
 Small, slender, schooling fishes usually found inshore and over reefs.
 Bodies with a terminal mouth, two separate dorsal fins, medium to large eyes and
cycloid scales.
 Pelvic fins are usually abdominal, and the pectoral fins may be high on the body.
 Marine species usually inhabit coastal seas and are often silvery with a bright silvery
stripe along their sides.
 Some brightly-coloured freshwater species are very popular aquarium fishes.
 Species range in length from 2 to 44 cm, although most are less than 15 cm.

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  Hardy heads and their allies are pelagic, forming schools in shallow marine, estuarine
and freshwater environments worldwide.
 They are food for many other fishes, and are used as bait by recreational anglers or in
commercial fisheries.
 Lateral line close to belly 2 large triangular plates on caudal peduncle

Atheriniformes

Sub order

Exocoetidea Atherinoidea

 Flying fishes  Silversides

 Pharyngeal gill slits present
1. Sub order- Exocoetidea

Family 1- Exocoetidae
Sub order- Exocoetidea

Family 2-Hemiramphidae

Family 3- Belonidae

i. Family- Exocoetidae

 It has a long, torpedo-shaped body, blue or silvery scales, and a vertically

forked tail.
 known as flying fish or flying cod

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  Their pectoral fins are highly modified “wings” that enable them to leap out of
the water and glide above the surface for up to 650 feet (and potentially twice
that length with a good gust of wind).
 Flying fish are found in warm and sometimes temperate waters of the Atlantic,
Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Species
 Tropical two wing flying fish- Exocetus Volitans
 Spot fin flying fish- Cyselurus forcatus
 Indian flying fish- Hirundichys coromondolensis

Exocetus Volitans

Cyselurus poecilipterus Hirundichys coromondolensis

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 ii. Family- Hemiramphidae (half beaks)

 Elongate fishes with prolonged lower jaw and short triangular

upper jaw
 No spines in fins
 Dorsal and anal fins posterior in position
 Pelvic fins abdominal in position, with 6 soft rays
 Pectoral fins usually short.
 Lateral line running down from pectoral-fin origin and then
backwards along ventral margin of body.
 Scales moderately large, cycloid (smooth), easily detached.
 Colour: these fishes live near the surface and are protectively
coloured for this mode of life by being green or blue on the back
and silvery white on the sides and ventrally; tip of lower jaw bright
red or orange in most species.

Species
o Hemiramphus lutkei
o Hemiramphus fasciatus

Hemiramphus lutkei

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 Hemiramphus fasciatus

iii. Family- Belonidae (Full beaks)

 Commonly known as gar fishes/needle fishes

Species:
 Strongylura strongylura
 Tylosurus crocoditus
 Albannes hians

2. Suborder- Athernoidea

Family- Athernoidae
 Known as silversides
 Lateral sides are silvery bands
Species
Atherinomonas lacunasus

Atherinomonas lacunasus

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 8. Order- Siluriformes (Cat fishes)

 Pre opercle and inter opercle relatively small

 Adipose fin usually present
 Spine like rays present at the front of the dorsal and pectoral fins
 Dorsal fin of most cat fishes has two spines
 The first being very short and forming a locking mechanism for the second spine.
 Body either naked or covered with bony plates. (Without Scale, called as scaleless
fish)
 Webberian apparatus is present (between swim bladder and ear)
 Usually up to barbells present on head
 The nasal and chin barbels may be variously absent.
 Maxilla toothless and rudimentary (except in Diplomystidae and the extinct
Hypsidoridae)
 Caudal fin rays 18 or fewer (most with 17)
 Caudal skeleton varying between having six separate hypural plates to complete
fusion of caudal elements.
 Eye usually small
 Air breathing organs present in Claridae and Heteropreustidae
 Many cat fishes have a maximum length of below 12 cm. The largest cat fish is
Silurus glanis (commonly reaches 3m in length)
 Pangasiid and Pimelodid are also known to reach exceptionally large sizes.
 Ariidae and Plotosidae consist largely of marine species but also representatives that
are frequently found in brackish, coastal waters and sometimes only in fresh water.
 Other families are freshwater, although some have species that can invade brackish
water.
 Families included here are

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 i. Bagridae
ii. Claridae
iii. Siluridae
iv. Heterpnuestidae
v. Plotosidae
vi. Tachysuridae/Ariidae
vii. Schilbeidae
viii. Amblycipidae
ix. Pangacidae
x. Akasidae
xi. Sisoridae

Family 1- Bagridae

 Primary freshwater.
 A spine before dorsal fin.
 Dorsal soft rays usually 6 or 7 (rarely 8-20).
 Adipose fin with high interspecific variability in size.
 Serrated pectoral spine.
 Scaleless and barbels usually four pairs; well-developed.
 Some valued as food fish; others as aquarium fish.
Species
o Mystus aor
o Mystus galio
o Mystus seenghala

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 Mystus aor

Mystus vittatus

Mystus seenghala

Family 2- Claridae

 Commonly known as walking cat fish (head covered with osseous plates)
 No adipose fin is present
 Caudal fin rounded
 Air breathing organ generally present
Species-
o Clarias batrachus (magur) (U shaped head, dorsal fin long)
o Clarias geripineus (African magur) (V shaped, dorsal fin short)
o Clarias microcephalus (Thai magur)

Clarias batrachus Clarias geripineus

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 Clarias macrocephalus

Family 3- Siluridae (sheat fishes)

 Scaleless body reaches a length of 5 m and a weight of 300 kg.

 The largest species in cat fish- Silurus glanis
 There is a long anal fin, but an adipose fin is lacking.
 The unpaired fins do not have spines.
 The fishes are distributed in freshwaters of Europe and Asia.
 Mainly 2 genera Silurus and Parasilurus.
 Inhabits the middle course of the Amur River, is also of commercial significance.
 The Amur catfish (Parasilurus asotus), which is distributed in the Amur basin, is
fised locally.

Species

 Silurus glanis
 Parasilurus asotus

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 Silurus glanis

Parasilurus asotus (Amur cat fish)

Family 4- Heterpnuestidae

 4 pairs of barbels
 No adipose dorsal fin
 Assessory respiratory organ present
Species
 Heteropneustes fossilies (stinging catfish)

Heteropneustes fossilies

Family 5- Plotosidae (Marine catfish)

 Commonly known as eel tail cat fish

Species

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  Plotossus canious (Congen eel tail cat fish)
 Plotossus limbatus (Striped eel tail cat fish)

Plotosus canious Plotosus limbatus

Family 6- Tachysuridae/ Ariidae (3 pair barbels)

 They are purely marine cat fish
 Adipose fin present
Species
 Arius coelatus (Engraved cat fish)
 Arius arius (Hamilton cat fish)
 Arius tenuispinis (Day’s cat fish)
 Batracocephalus mino (Froghead cat fish)
 Osteogenosus militaris (Soldier cat fish )

Arius Coelatus Arius tenuispinis

Batracocephalus mino Osteogenosus militaris

Family 7- Schilbeidae

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Commonly known as schilbeid cat fish
Sub families

Alinae Schilbeinae

Sub family 1 - Ailinae

 Dorsal fin absent but adipose fin present

species-
 Alia coilia (Gangetic Coilia)
 Ailia punctata (jamuna coilia)

Alia coilia Ailia punctata

Sub family 2 – Schilbeinae

Species
 Clupeisoma garua
 Clupeisoma montana
 Silonia childreni (White cat fish)

Clupeisoma garua Silonia childreni

Family 8- Amblycipidae

 Adipose fin well developed

Species
Amblyceps mangois
Amblyceps mangois (Indian torrent cat fish)

Family 9- Pangasidae

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  No lateral line
 2 pair barbels
 Adipose fin well developed
Species Pangasius pangasius
Pangasius pangasius

Family 10- Akysidae (Stream cat fish)

Species
 Akysis pictus
 Akysis prasade

Akysis prasade

Family 11- Sisoridae (sisorid cat fish)

 Barbels are of 4 pairs and adhesive apparatus present in the thoracic region
 Adipose fin usually large
Species
o Bagarius bagarius
o Glyptosternum

Bagarius bagarius

9. Order- Cypriniformes

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 Body oblong, compressed, with small to large scales.
 Head without scales.
 Mouth usually protractile and always tooth less.
 Single dorsal fin.
 Barbels present around the mouth (or) absent.
 Weberian apparatus mostly modified.
 Scales are cycloid type

Cypriniformes consists of 5 important families

1. Cyprinidae (Carps, Minnows)

2. Balitoridae- hill stream loaches
3. Cobitidae
4. Parapsilorhynchidae
5. Psilorhynchidae
Family 1- Cyprinidae (Carps, Minnows)

 Scales are cycloid

 No adipose fin
 It has 6 sub families
I. Sub family 1- Cyprininae
II. Sub family 2- Hypophthalmichthyinae
III. Sub family 3- Rasborinae
IV. Sub family 4- Schizothoracinae
V. Sub family 5- Garrinae
VI. Sub family 6- Cultrinae

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 i. Sub family 1- Cyprininae
 Body with scales, generally compressed abdomen rounded or cutting.
Species
 Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass Carp)
 Cyprinus Carpio (Common carp)
 Cirrihunus mrigala (Mrigal)
 Catla Catla (Catla)
 Labeo rohita (Rohu)
 Carassius auratus (Gold fish)
 Labeo calbasu (Black rohu)
 Puntius ticto (Two spot barb)
 Puntius sarana (sarana/ olive barb)
 Puntius sophore (Swamp barb)
 Puntius chola (Chola barb)
 Cirrhinus cirrosa (White carp)
 Tor tor (Deep bodied Mahaseer)-Red finned Mahseer
 Tor khudree (Decan Mahaseer)
 Tor mosal (Copper Mahaseer)
 Tor mussullha (High backed Mahaseer)

i. Sub family 1- Cyprininae

Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Cyprinus carpio

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 Cirrhinus mrigala Catla catla

Labeo rohita Carassius auratus

Labeo calbasu Puntius ticto

Puntius sarana Puntius chola

ii. Sub family 2- Hypophthallmichthyinae
 Abdomen strongly keeled from breast to vent.
 No barbels

36
  Epibranchial organ present. (The epibranchial organ (EO) is a tubular
organ found in the pharyngeal cavity of many filter-feeding fishes. This
specialized, pharyngeal chemosensory structure may explain the feeding
success of these, and perhaps other planktivorous, filter-feeding fishes.)
 Pharyngeal teeth present.
Species
 Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Silver Carp)
 Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (Bighead Carp)
iii. Sub family 3- Rasborinae
• Lateral line with a downward curvature outerwardly
• Mouth terminal with a symphysial notch
Species
 Amblypharyngodon Mola (Pale carp)
 Brachdanio rario (Zebra danio)
 Rasbora Rasbora (Scissor dell)
 Rasbora danoconius (Blackline rasbora)
iv. Sub family 4- Schizothoracinae
 Comprises snow trouts and minnows
 Presence of sucker in lower lip
Species
o Schizothorax richardsonii (Snow trout)- Dorsal fin with last ray
ossious or serrated
v. Sub family 5- Garrinae
 Mouth inferior and lower lip modified in to a sub-torial disk
Species
 Crossocheelus latius
 Garra larnta

Vi. Sub family 6- Cultrinae

Species
 Chela laubuca (Indian glass fish)
 Chela fasciata

Family 2- Balitoridae- hill stream loaches

Species

37
  Balitorinae
 Nemacholinae
Family 3- Cobitidae
 Commonly called as loaches
 Presence of supra orbital or pre-orbital spine near the eye which can be erected.
 2 sub families-
I. Cobitinae
II. Botinae
Family 4- Parapsilorhynchidae

 Body spindle shaped

Species

 Parapsilorhychus tentaculatus
Family 5- Psilorinchidae

These fishes are found in gangetic drainage area

Species

 Psilorhynchus sucatio
 Psilorhynchus balitor

10. Order- Syngnathiformes- Lateral line absent

Comprises- Sea horse, Pipe fishes, Flute fishes
Family-1- Syngnathidae

38
 Family-2- Fistularidae
Family-3- Centriscidae
1. Family-Syngnathidae
Dorsal and pelvic fin absent
Species
 Hippocampus kuddo (Sea Horse)
2. Family- Fistularidae (Pipe fishes)-Vertical swimming
Species
 Fistularies villosa
3. Family-Centriscidae
Species
 Centricus scutatus

11. Order- Synbranchiformes (Swamp eels)

 Pelvic and pectoral fin absent
 No, Swim bladder
Single family- Synbranchidae-Gill opening are confluent at isthmus
Super branchial pouch (accessory respiratory organ) large and paired.
Species
 Monopterus cuchia
 Monopterus indicus

12. Order- Perciformes

 Most delivered and largest fish order
 40% of the fishes are freshwater in origin
 Presence of spine in fin mainly pelvic, anal and dorsal fin
 No adipose fin present

Many sub-orders

I. Percoidei
II. Acanthuroidei

39
 III. Siganoidei
IV. Trichuroidei
V. Scombroidei
VI. Stromatoidei
VII. Gobioidei
VIII. Mugiloidei
IX. Sphyraenoidei
X. Polynemoidei
XI. Anabantoidei
XII. Channoidei

Sub order 1- Percoidei

 It is divided in to mainly families of which about 26% found in fresh water and other
are marine origin.
 There are 25 families under this suborder which are commercially important
1. Centropomidae/ Latidae
2. Ambassidae (Glass fish)
3. Serraniadae (Groupers)
4. Teraponidae (Grunters)
5. Kuhlidae (Flag tails)
6. Priacanthidae (Big eye or Bull’s eye)
7. Apogonidae (Cardinal fishes)
8. Sillaginidae (Whitings/ lady fishes)
9. Lactaridae (False travelly)
10. Rachycentridae (Black King fish) (Cobia)
11. Carangidae (Jacks/King fishes)
12. Coryphaenidae (dolphin fish)
13. Menidae (Moon fish)
14. Lutjanidae
15. Nemipteridae
16. Gerreidae (Silver biddies)
17. Leignathidae (Slip mouths/ Pony fishes)
18. Pomadasyidae (Grunts)

40
 19. Sciaenidae (Drums or Crockers)
20. Mullidae
21. Dripanidae (Sickle fishes)
22. Scatophagidae (Scats) (Butter fish)
23. Chaetodontidae (Butterfly fishes)
24. Cichlidae (Cichlids)
25. Siganidae

Family 1- Centropomidae/ Latidae

 Body elongated, compressed, with deep caudal peduncle.

 Body large, elongate and stout, with pronounced concave dorsal profile in head and a
prominent snout
 Concave dorsal profile becoming convex in front of dorsal fin.
 Mouth is large, slightly oblique, upper jaw reaching to behind eye
 Teeth villiform, no canine teeth present.
 Edge of pre-operculum is with strong spine
 Operculum with a small spine and with a serrated flap above original of lateral line
Species- Lates calcarifer (Giant Sea bass)

Lates calcarifer

Family 2- Ambassidae (Glass fish)

 Body is oblong to oval-shaped and compressed.
 Eyes large, much greater than snout length.

41
  Margins and ridges of preorbital, suborbital, supraorbital, preopercle, and interopercle
frequently serrate.
 Operculum is double edged
Species-
 Ambassis commersoni
 A. ranga
 A. agrammus

A. agrammus

Family-3 Serranidae (Groupers)

• Anal fin with 3 spines

• Edge of preopercle serrate
• Opercle with 2 or 3 flat points or spines (mostly 3)
• Caudal fin rounded or truncate in most species/emarginated to lunate in a few
Species
 Epinephalus tauvina
 E. bleekeri
 E. fasciatus
 E. malabaricus
 E. aereolus

42
 Epinephalus Epinephalus bleekeri
tauvina

E. fasciatus
E. malabaricus

Family 4- Teraponidae (Grunters)

 Lateral line uninterrupted, reaching on caudal fin.

 Jaws with villiform or incisiform teeth; vomer and palatines toothless in most species.
 Species
o Terapon theraps
o Terapon jarbua
o Terapon puta

43
 Terapon theraps

Terapon jarbua

Terapon puta

Family 5- Kuhlidae (Flag tails)

 Oblong, compressed, moderate-sized (to about 50 cm) perch-like fishes.
 Head length less than body depth
 Preorbital and preopercle margins serrates
 2 flat spines on opercle.
Species
 Kuhlia mugil
 K. rupestris

44
 Kuhlia mugil Kuhlia rupestris

Family 6- Priacanthidae (Big eye or Bull’s eye)

 Deep-bodied, laterally compressed percoid fishes (size to 36 cm) with extremely large
eyes (about 1/2 head length) and upturned mouth.
 Weak spine on posterior opercle and prominent to remnant spine at angle of pre-
opercle
Species
 Priacanthus boops
 Priacanthus macranthus

Priacanthus boops

Family 7- Apogonidae (Cardinal fishes)

 These small fishes have elongated bodies and large eyes, a large mouth and large
scales.
 They have angular dorsal fins that are separated into two parts.
 Cardinalf ish are often handsomely patterned in stripes or spots.
 Their common name comes from the red colour of many of the species, although they
come in all colours from yellow to brown and blue. Often found in small groups,
sheltering among the seagrasses or other hiding places during the day.
 Ear margin of cheek (preopercle) with characteristic double edge, which is variously
serrated or smooth.

45
  Cardinalfishes are mouth brooders. The fertilised egg mass is kept in the mouth until
they hatch in several days' time.
Species

 Apogonichthyoides melas (Black Cardinal fish)

 Apogon thermalis
 Apogon aereus

Apogonichthyoides melas

Family 8- Sillaginidae (Whitings/ lady fishes)

 Elongated fishes with long, conical snout, small mouth, moderately long dorsal and
anal fins, anal fin with 2 weak spines.
Species

 Sillago sihama (Silver whitings)

 Sillago maculata

Sillago sihama

Family 9- Lactaridae (False travelly)

46
  Soft-rayed parts of dorsal and anal fins covered with deciduous scales (all scales
easily shed).
 2 sharp canine teeth infront of each jaw
Species

 Lactarius lactarius (Bigjaw jumper) – (White fish)

Lactarius lactarius

Family 10- Rachycentridae (Black King fish) (Cobia)

 Cigar shaped body
 No finlets
 The body have 3 dark stribs on the sides
Species:
 Rachycentron canadus

Rachycentron canadus

Family 11- Carangidae (Jacks/King fishes)

47
 Head compressed & usually keeled dorsally
 Lateral line scutes present or prominent and reduced in some species
 2 pre-anal spine
Species

 Alectis indicus (Indian thread fin travelly)

 Megalaspis cordyla (Horse mackeral)
 Carangoides malabaricus (Malabar travelly)
 Scomberoides Commersonianus (Queen fish)
 Scomberoides tala (Deep queen fish)
 Selar boops (Ox eye shad)
 Decapterus russeli (Indian scad)
 Atul mate (Yellow tail scad)
 Parastromoteus niger (Black Pomfret)

48
Alectis indicus Megalaspis cordyla

Scomberoides commersonnianus

Carangoides malabaricus

Scomberoides tala
Selar boops

49
 Decapterus russeli

Atul mate Parastromateus niger

Family 12 - Coryphaenidae (dolphin fish)

 Lateral line curved upward above pectoral fin
 Dorsal and anal fins very long, continuing almost to caudal fin from dorsal fin
Species: Coryphaena hippurus

Coryphaena hippurus

Family 13 - Menidae (Moon fish)

 Single species with a highly compressed body disc like
 Pro-longed 2-4 series of bronze colour spots above the lateral line.
Species
o Mene maculata (Moon fish)

Mene maculata
Family 14 - Lutjanidae

50
  Lateral line complete or straight
Species

 Lutjanus argentimacultus (Red snapper)

 L. johni (John snapper)
 L. lutjanus (Rosy snapper)

Lutjanus argentimaculatus Lutjanus jhonii

Lutjanus lutjanus Lutjanus bohar

Family 15- Nemipteridae

51
  Caudal fin forked or emerginate and often with a filament
Species

 Nemipterus japonicas
 N. hexadon
 N.tolu

Nemipterus japonicus Nemipterus hexadon

Nemipterus peronii

Family- 16 Gerreidae (Silver biddies)

 Mouth strongly protractile, pointing downwards when extended

 A single long dorsal fin
 Bases of dorsal and anal fins with an elevated scaly sheath
 Pectoral fins long and pointed

Species

 Gerries oyena
 Gerres filamentous

52
 

Gerries oyena
Gerres filamentous

Family 17- Leignathidae (Slip mouths/ Pony fishes)

 Head large, with deep suborbital space
 Short gill rakers, knob like
 Dorsal fin single continuous with 10 spines and 9 or 10 branched (soft) rays
 Cheeks , upper surface of head and preorbital area scaleless in the genus Lethrinus,
scales present on cheek in other genera of Lethrinidae
 Maxilla overlapping premaxilla
Species
 Leignathus bindus(Superior mouth/ Proctractile mouth)
 Leiognathus spendens
 Secutor insidiator
 Gazza minuta

53
 Leignathus bindus Leignathus spendens

Secutor incidiator

Gazza minuta

Family 18- Pomadasyidae (Grunts)

Caudal fin emeginate
Species
 Pomadasys maculatus
 Pomadasys hasta

Pomadasys maculatus

Family 19-Sciaenidae (Drums or Crockers)

54
  Lateral line extending to the end of the caudal fin.
 High quality swim bladder
Species
 Protonebia diacanthus (Ghol)
 Otolithoides biauritus (Koth)
 Johnius dussumieri (Dhoma)
 Nibea maculata
 Nibea soldado

Protonebea diacanthus

Otolithoides biauritus

Nebea maculata
Johnius dissumieri

Nibea soldado

Family 20- Mullidae

55
  Presence of two long unbranched barbels on chin.
 Two well separate dorsal fin
Species
 Upeneus vittatus
 Upeneus sulphurus
 Paraupeneus indicus

Upeneus vittatus Upeneus sulphureus

Paraupeneus indicus

Family 21- Dripanidae (Sickle fishes)

 Pectoral fin long sickle shaped
 Body very deep and strongly compressed
 Scales absent in front of eye and on opercle
 Mouth strongly protrusible
 Pectoral fins long and falcate
 Lateral line strongly arched
Species

56
  Dripane punctata (Spotted sickle fish)

Dripane punctata

Family 22- Scatophagidae (Scats) (Butter fish)

 Highly compressed body, quadrangular shaped fishes
 Head profile rising steeply to nape, mouth not protrusible
 Anal fin with 4 strong spines
Species
 Scatophagus argus

Scatophagus argus

Family 23- Chaetodontidae (Butterfly fishes)

 Body deep and strongly compressed
 Snout slightly produced to greatly elongated
 An axillary scaly process present at base of pelvic fin spine
 Dorsal fin continuous, sometimes with a slight notch between spinous and soft
portions

57
  Ctenoid scales
Species
 Chaetodon vegabundus
 Chaetodon collare

Chaetodon collare
Chaetodon vegabundus

Family 24- Cichlidae (Cichlids)

 Lateral line incomplete
 Emarginated caudal fin
Species
o Etroplus suratensis (Banded pearl spot)
o Etroplus maculate (Spoted pear spot)
o Oreocromis mossambicus (Tilapia)

Etroplus suratensis (Green chromide)

Etroplus maculatus

Family 25- Siganidae

 Body laterally compressed

58
  Caudal fin truncate
 Mouth small with a single row of fine, close-set teeth in each jaw
 Dorsal fin with 13 strong spines and 10 soft rays, preceded by a forward projecting
spine
 Pelvic fins with 2 strong spines separated by 3 soft rays, character unique to the
family
 Anal fin with 7 strong spine and 9 soft rays
 The spines are venomous
Species
 Siganus canaliculatus
 Siganus vermiculatus
 Siganus javus

Siganus canaliculatus
Siganus vermiculatus

Siganus javus

Sub Order 2- Acanthuroidei

 Small scales one or two strong movable garwardly projecting spine

59
  Pre. Maxilla protorsible
 Caudal peduncle one spine or two bony plates

Single family- Acathuridae (Surgeon fishes)

This fish generally inhabits in coral reef areas

Species

 Lethrinus ornatus

Lethrinus ornatus

Sub order 3- Trichuroidei

Family- Trichuridae (Ribbon fish) - Hair baits
 Body extremely elongate, compressed and ribbon like
 Maxilla concealed by a preorbital bone
 Dorsal fin low and long, beginning shortly behind eye
 Anal fin low or reduced to short spines
 Pectoral fins short and low on body
 Pelvic fins reduced to a scale like spine (Benthodesmus sp.) or completely
absent (in Trichiurus and Lepturacanthus)
 Caudal fin small, forked or absent
 Scales absent
Species
 Trichiurus lepturus
 Lepturocanthus savala

60
 Trichiurus lepturus Lepturocanthus savala

Sub order 4- Scombroidei

 Finlets are usually present

 Caudal peduncle with keels
 Mouth is large, Fast swimmers

Family-1- Scombroidae
Family-2-Thunnidae
Family-3- Scomberomoridae (Seer fish)
Family-4- Xiiphidae
Family-1- Scombroidae (Mackeral)

 Adipose eyelid is present

 Lateral line simple
Species

 Rastreliger kanagurta
 Rastreliger brachysoma

61
 Rastreliger kanagurta Rastreliger brachysoma

Family-2-Thunnidae

Species

 Thunnus albacerus (Yellow fin Tuna)

 Thunnus obesus (Big eye Tuna)
 Thunnus orientalis (Blue fin tuna)
 Auxis thazard (Frigate tuna)
 Euthynus affinis (Littile tuna)
 Gymnosarda unicolor (Dogtooth tuna)
 Kastsuwanus pelamis (Skipjack tuna)
 Acanthocybium solandri (Wahoo)
 Sarda orientalis (Oriental bonito)

Thunnus obesus
Thunnus albacerus

62
 Thunnus orientalis Auxis thazard

Gymnosarada unicolor
Euthynnus affinis

Katsuwanus pelamis Acathocybium solandri

Sarada orientalis

Family 4- Xiiphidae (Sword fish)

No pelvic fin
Ex- Xiphius gladius

63
 Xiphius gladius

Sub Order 5- Stromatoidae (Pomfrets)

Family 1- Stromatidae
 Pelvic fin absent
Species
 Pampus argentius (Silver Pomfret)
 Pampus chinensis (Chinese Pomfret)

Pampus argentius

Pampus chinensis

Sub Order 6-Anabantoidae

It includes 4 families

64
Family 1- Anabantidae
Species
 Anabas testudineus (Climbing perch)

Anabas testudineus (Climbing perch)

Family 2- Osphronemidae
Species
 Osphronemus gauramy (Giant Gauramy)

Osphronemus gauramy (Giant Guaramy)

Family 3- Belontiidae
Species
 Belontia signata (Comb tail Gauramy)

65
 Belontia signata

Family 4- Helostomidae
Species
 Heleostoma temminiki (Kissing Gaurmy)

Heleostoma temminiki (Kissing Gauramy

Sub order 7- Channoidae

Family- Channidae (Snake head/ murrels)
 Caudal fin round
 Fishes of this family can be recognise by shape their head
 Body usually grey, brown, or black
Species
o Channa marulius (Giant Snake head)
o Channa punctatus (Spotted snake head)
o Channa striatus (Banded snake head)

66
 Channa punctata

Channa marulius

Channa striatus

Sub order 8 – Mugiloidae

Family- Mugilidae
 No lateral line
Species
o Mugil cephalus
o Rhinomugil corsula
o Liza persia
o Liza tade

Sub order 9- Polynemidae (Thread fins/Tassel fishes)

 Head scaly, conical snout, projecting beyond the mouth, mouth large.
 Spinous part of dorsal fin well separated from rays part; first with 7 or 8 feeble spines.
 Pectoral fins in two parts, the upper normal, the lower with 3 or more free filamentous
rays.
 Lateral line extending upto caudal fin.

o Polynemus sextarius
o Polynemus indicus

67
 o Polynemus heptodactylus
o Polynemus paradiceus (Dara fish)

Sub order 10- Gobiodae

 Very small fishes

 Pelvic fins usually united to a cup like structure
 Gill Membranes are joined to isthmus
 Dorsal spinous
Species
o Glossogobius giuris

Glossogobius giuris

13. Order- Pleuronoitiformes

 Both eyes are one side
 Ocular side- where both the eyes are present in one side
 Blind side- Swim on this side
It has 5 families

 Psettodidae (Indian helibute)

 Bothidae (Left eye founder)
 Soleidae (soles)
 Cynoglossidae (Tongue soles)
 Pleuronectidae (Right head found)

68
Family 1- Psettodidae (Indian helibute) - Torbuts

 Body oval to flat; thicker than other flatfishes.

 Large mouth with strong teeth.
 Both eyes present on left or right side.
 Dorsal fin originates beyond posterior to eyes.
 Spinous anterior fin rays.
Species

 Psettodes erumei (Indian helibute)

Psettodes erumei (Indian helibute)

Family 2- Bothidae
 Flat fishes with eyes on left side of body
 Dorsal fin origin above or in front of eyes
 Caudal fin free from dorsal and anal fins
 Preopercle exposed, its hind margin free and visible
 No spiny rays in fins
Species
 Bothus pantherinus
 Pseudorhombus arcius

69
 Pseudorhombus arcius
Bothus pantherinus

Family 3- Soleidae (soles)

 Flat fishes with eyes on right side of body.

 Preopercle without a free margin
 No spines in fins
 Dorsal fin extending far forward on head; dorsal fin and anal fin completely separate
from, adherent to or fused with caudal fin
 Pectoral fin sometimes absent; right always longer than left if present
 Lateral line single and straight on body, sometimes branched on head

Eg.

 Solia ovata
 Solia elongate
 Euryglossa orientalis
 Zebrias quagga

70
 Solia ovata Solia elongata

Euryglossa orientalis Zebrias quagga

Family- 4- Cynoglossidae (Tongue soles)

 Tongue-shaped flat fishes with eyes on left side of body

 A rostral hook present below mouth
 Dorsal fin reaching forward onto head; both dorsal and anal fins joined to caudal fin
 Pectoral fins absent
 Only left pelvic fin present
 Lateral lines variable

Eg.

 Cynoglossus arel

 cynoglossus macrostomus

71
 Cynoglossus macrostomus
Cynoglossus arel

Family 5- Pleuronectidae (Righteye Flounders)

 Flat fishes with eyes on right side

 Preopercle exposed, its hind margin free and visible
 Dorsal fin origin above or in front of eye
 Dorsal and anal fins free from caudal fin
 Anus placed mid ventral or blind side
 Spiny rays absent in fins

Eg. Paralichthodes algoensis

Notes
 Psettodidae - Dorsal fin with spinous rays, its origin well posterior to upper eye; eyes
on right or left side.
 Bothidae and Cynoglossidae - Both eyes on left side.
 Soleidae/ Pleuronectidae – eyes on right side.

72
73
 14. Order- Tetradontiformes

Family-1- Tricanthidae
Family-2- Tetradontidae
Family-3- Balistiade

Family1- Tricanthidae (Tripod fishes)

Ex- Tricanthus biaculeatus

Tricanthus biaculeatus

Family 2- Tetradontidae (Puffer fishes)

Ex- Tetradon cutcutia

Tetradon cutcutia

74
Family-3- Balistiade
 The flesh is poisonous

Ex- Abalestis stellaris

Abalestis stellaris

75
 Class- Elasmobranchy / Condrichthys

This group could be distinguished by the following characters:

 Notochord constricted by vertebrae

 Cartilaginous skeleton - The cartilage are calcified giving the appearance of bone.
 Swim bladder absent.
 Skull lacks sutures in living forms.
 Teeth usually not fused to jaws and replaced serially.
 Nasal openings on each side usually single and more or less ventral in position.
 Intestinal spiral valve present.
 Fertilization external or internal.
 Males with pelvic claspers.
 Embryo encapsulated in a leather like case.
 Five to seven gill openings with spiracle (secondarily lost in some species).
 Body covered with placoid scales.
 Upper jaw not fused to cranium but attached with either amphistylic or holostylic
suspension.
 Numerous teeth.
 Cloaca present.
 Males usually have intromittant organs.

76
Subclass Elasmobranchii
The subclass, Elasmobranchii includes the following super orders

1. Galeomorphii
2. Squatinomorphii
3. Squalomorphii
4. Batoidea

Super order 1- Galeomorphii

 Galeomorph sharks have varied shapes.

 Some of the species differ markedly from the typical body shape of a shark.
 This super order includes the following orders (living groups):

1. Heterodontiformes
2. Lamniformes

Order 1- Heterodontiformes

 Popularly called as horn sharks and are considered to be ancestral group of living
elasmobranchs.
 A small species typically measuring 1 m (3.3 ft) in length, the horn shark can be
recognized by a short, blunt head with ridges over its eyes, two high dorsal fins with
large spines, and a brown or gray coloration with many small dark spots.
 The members of this group are sluggish and are shallow water bottom dwellers.
 This group contains a single family
Family 1- Heterodontidae
Species
o Heterodontus francisci

Heterodontus francisci

77
Order 2- Lamniformes
This order includes seven families.
They are
i) Orectolobidae (nurse sharks/ Carpet sharks),
ii) Odontaspididae (sand sharks),
iii) Lamnidae (thresher sharks or mackerel sharks),
iv) Scyliorhinidae (cat sharks),
v) Carcharhinidae (smooth sharks),
vi) Sphyrnidae (hammerhead sharks)
vii) Rhiniodontidae (whale sharks).
Family 1- Orectolobidae (nurse sharks/ Carpet sharks)
 Body depressed, head very broad and flattened.
 Mouth inferior.
 Gill openings 5, the fourth and fifth behind origin of pectoral fin, over the base.
 Nostril with a well developed barbel.
 A deep groove leads from nostril to mouth. Head with lateral flaps of skin. First
dorsal fin posteriorly located.
 Bottom sharks of warm-temperate to tropical continental waters of the western
Pacific, occuring from intertidal down to at least 110 m.
 Ovoviviparous, with large litters of 20 or more young.

o Chyloscyllium indicus (Indian Cat shark)

o Chyloscyllium griscum (Banded Cat shark)
o Stegostoma fasciatus (Zebra Shark)

Chyloscyllium indicus (Indian cat shark) Chyloscyllium griscum (Banded Cat shark)

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 Stegostoma fasciatus

Family 2- Odontaspididae (Sand sharks)

 The body tends to be brown with dark markings in the upper half.
 These markings disappear as they mature.
 Their needle-like teeth are highly adapted for impaling fish, their main prey.
 Their teeth are long, narrow, and very sharp with smooth edges, with one and on
occasion two smaller cusplets on either side.
 Sand sharks have a large second dorsal fin. The average lifespan of both sexes is only
about 7 years, though they may live longer in captivity.
Species

 Carcharias taurus (Sand tiger shark)

 Odontaspis ferox (Small tooth sand tiger shark)
 Odontaspis nornhai (Big eye sand tiger shark)

Carcharias taurus Odontaspis ferox

Odontaspis nornhai
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Family 3- Lamnidae (thresher sharks or mackerel sharks)
 Nictitating eyelids absent
 Mouth behind front of eyes
 5 pairs of gill slits
 Both dorsal fins without spines
 anal fin present
 There are 2 sub families

o Sub family 1 Alopiidae (thresher sharks)

Species-
 Alopias superciliolus (Big eye thresher)
 Alopias vulpinus (Thresher shark)

o Sub family 2- Lamninae (mackeral shark)

Species
 Isurus oxyrhincus (Largest mackeral shark/Manko shark)

Isurus oxyrhincus
Family 4- Scyliorhinidae (cat sharks)
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Species
 Atelomycterus marmoratum (Marbaled cat shark)

Atelomycterus marmoratum

Family 5- Carcharhinidae (smooth sharks)

 One of the largest and most important families of sharks
 Eyes circular
 Nictitating eyelids internal
 Spiracles usually absent
Species
 Carcarhinus brevipinna (Spinner shark)
 Galeocerdo cuvieri (Tiger shark)
 Hemipristis elongatus (Fossil shark)
 Scoliodon laticaudus (Indian dog shark)

,mmmmmmm

Carcarhinus brevipinna Galeocerdo cuvieri

Hemipristis elongatus
Scoliodon laticaudus

Family-6- Sphyrnidae (hammerhead sharks)

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  Unusual and distinctive structure of their heads, which are flattened and laterally
extended into a "hammer" shape called a cephalofoil.
 Most hammerhead species are placed in the genus Sphyrna, while the winghead shark
is placed in its own genus, Eusphyra.
Ex-

 Sphyraena lewini (Hammer head shark)

 Zhygena spp

Sphyraena gillberti

Sphyraena zhygena

Family-7-Rhiniodontidae (whale sharks)

 Distinguished from all other sharks by large, lunate tail, mouth at end of snout, 3
prominent ridges extending the length of body along the sides.
 Back marked with round white or yellow spots and a number of white or yellow
transverse stripes.
 Oviparous.
 Size said to reach more than 18 metres (59 feet), the largest of modern lower
vertebrates. Sluggish and inoffensive.
 1 species only
Species
o Rhincodon typus

Rhinodon typus

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 2 Super order- Squantinomorphii

 The angel sharks are represented in this superorder.

Family-1- Squantidae

 Two dorsal fins, each with a spine at the front

 Teeth on lower jaw not much larger than those on the upper jaw
 Upper pre-caudal pit usually present in most species
 Caudal peduncle with a pair of lateral keels.
Species

 Squalus acanthias (Spiny Dogfish)

Squalus acanthus (Spiny dogfish)

3. Superorder- Squlomorphii

 species are represented under the order

 6-7 gill openings are seen.
 This order includes two families namely, Chlamydoselachidae and Hexanchidae.
 Cow sharks coming under the order are rather flabby, bottom oriented sharks
with weak jaws and have small teeth. This group comes under the family,
Hexanchidae.

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  The order, Squaliformes contains two families viz.
o Squalidae (dog fish sharks)
o Echinorhinidae (bramble sharks).

Scoliodon laticaudus

4. Superorder Batoidea
 This superorder includes rays and skates having the following characters:
 Gill openings ventral in position.
 The pectoral fins enlarged, attached to side of head anterior to the five gill openings.
 No anal fins.
 Eyes and spiracle located on the top of the head and pavement like teeth present.
 Nictitating membrane absent.
 This super order includes order-Rajiformes

Order- Rajiformes
 Skates and Rays (Batoid fishes)
 Body is disc like, wide and flat
 Dorsal fish when present, placed on tail, no anal fin

Skates Rays
 Oviparous  Viviparous
 Having a permanent dorsal fin  Dorsal fin absent or greatly reduced
 Small teeth  Whip like tails with one or 2
 Smaller stinging spines
 Plate like teeth for crushing
 larger

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5 Families
1. Pristidae (Saw fishes)
2. Rhinobatidae (Guitar fishes)
3. Dasyatidae (Sting rays)
4. Myliobidae (Eagle and cownose rays)
5. Mobulidae (Devil rays, Mantees)

Family 1- Pristidae (Saw fishes)

 Rays of larger size

Species

 Anoxypristis cuspidate (Pointed saw fish)

 Pristis microdon (Small tooth saw fish)

Anoxypristis cuspidata
Pristis microdon

Family 2- Rhinobatidae (Guitar fishes)

 Guitar fishes are sluggish, bottom living animals occurring over sandy or muddy
bottom in shallow coastal areas

Species
 Rhinobatus lionotus
 Rhinobatus obtusus

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  Rhycohobatus djeddensis

Rhinobatus lionotus

Rhonobatus obtusus

Rhycohobatus djeddensis

Family 3- Dasyatidae
 No distinct dorsal fins
 There are 2 subfamiles
o Sub family1- Dasyatinae
o Sub family 2- Gymnurinae

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Sub family 1- Dasyatinae
 The tail is very slender, tapering containing poisonous
 No dorsal fin, no caudal fin
Species
o Dasyatis bleekeri

Dasyatis bleekeri

Sub family 2- Gymnurinae (Butterfly ray)

 Rhoboid disc with long tail

 Caudal fin absent
Species
 Gymnura japonica

Gymnura japonica

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Family 4- Myliobidae (Eagle & cow nose rays)
 Tail is much longer than the head
 No caudal fin
Species
o Aetobatus narinari
o Rhinoptera javanica

Aetobatus narinari
Rhinoptera javanica

Family 5- Mobulidae (Devil rays, Mantees)

 Head distinct on each side of snout is a fleshy projection, a cephalic fin or horn
separates by the width of the mouth
Species

 Manta birestris
 Mobula diabolus

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Manta birestris
Mobula diabolus

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