Vertebrates

Osteichthyes (Bony Fish)

There are more than 29,000 species of Bony Fish and it is the largest group of vertebrates.

One example of the Osteichthyes, is the Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans).

1. Where do they live?

They are an invasive species so they can survive in many different environments, but are native to coral reefs along the Indo-Pacific region.

2. Role of Pterois volitans?

Lionfish are predators in Coral Reefs.
Most of the time, Lionfish are unwanted in ecosystems because they are able to consume a variety of species. They typically kill off a lot of species in their area.
The adaption of lionfish is their able to sting and poison predators with venom located in spines on their dorsal fins.

3. Lifecycle?

See image below

4. Anatomical structure?

Center, National Invasive Species Information. "Aquatic Species - Lionfish (Pterois volitans)." National Invasive Species Information Center. Accessed March 06, 2017. https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/lionfish.shtml.

Another example includes the Barracuda (Sphyraena Barracuda)

1. Where do they live?

They are found in most tropical zones, however excluding the east Pacific.

2. Role of Sphyraena Barracuda?

Barracudas are seen as predators due to their ability to swim at fast speeds.
They can eat a wide variety of food and there are few predators who are able to prey on them.

3. Lifecycle?

See image below
Barracudas move to coral reefs in their second year of life and spend their first year hidden in sea grasses.

4. Anatomical structure?

"The Nature Conservancy." About the Great Barracuda | The Nature Conservancy. Accessed March 06, 2017. http://www.nature.org/newsfeatures/specialfeatures/animals/fish/giant-barracuda.xml.

These fish have cartilage instead of bones. Well known animals include rays and sharks.

The Yellow Stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis)

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/vertebrates/basalfish/chondrintro.html

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