Freshwater Fish of Texas 10/15/15

Texas Fish and Their Characteristics Fish are scaled, ectothermic vertebrates found in water environments. Most fish lay eggs, but few species can give birth to live young. There are three main group of fish: 1.Agnatha (jawless fish) – lampreys and hagfish 2.Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish) – sharks and rays 3.Osteichthyes (bony fish) – includes ALL fish that you typically think of (all of the fish in my fish tank)

Texas Fish and Their Characteristics  Texas has over 200 freshwater fish species within their inland waters  They all play very important ecological roles. Some are:  Scavengers – clean up organic debris on the bottom of waterways  Forage fish – provide food resources for game fish (what we eat) and for birds and wildlife  Game fish – what we seek out for fishing  Sentinels – the presence or absence of sensitive species inform us about changing environmental conditions.

Body Shapes – fish have different shapes depending on their habitat and lifestyle Streamlined fusiform body (typical what-you-think-of fish; these are ACTIVE swimmers) Fusiform, torpedo-like (long) bodies (may move quickly) Flattened bodies (laterally – like flounder—these are bottom-dwellers, or dorso-ventrally – like skates & rays) Snakelike – allows them to burrow in crevices, small tunnels, etc. (think eels) Mouth location (eat insects or scavenge the bottom) Fin shape, size, and location (speed, balance, etc.) Spines, barbs, etc. Texas Fish and Their Characteristics

 Fish display a wide variety of colors and patterns Coloration – Cryptic coloration (blend in with background) Skin color change (using pigments) to match the surrounding habitat Disruptive markings (hide body parts) Large spots on body that resemble eyes (may confuse predators) Countershading like sharks! (to help catch prey) Bright or variety of colors for advertisement (to attract mates) Bioluminescence in mid to bottom species (some to attract prey, some to attract mates) Other: venom, electric/sensory organs

Texas Fish and Their Characteristics 1.You are working with your groups for this activity 2.You will look through the packet and choose 5 fish and highlight them on my master copy (no fish can be repeated in a class!) 3.Your group will then do an extensive search on each of the 5 fish and complete the Texas Fish and Their Characteristics Comparison Matrix 4.Once your chart is complete, you will use the information to develop a PowerPoint slide on each of the 5 fish (make it look nice, but also be aware of time constraints!)***This is only a 5 slide powerpoint (6 if you include the Title Page) 5.Before class is over, you will CREATE a onedrive folder and SAVE the assignment (so any of your group members can access it tomorrow) 6.Tomorrow, you will receive a little time in class to complete the PowerPoint, and then you will present your fish and their adaptations!

Texas Fish and Their Characteristics SpeciesAverage Size 1.Weight 2.Length Body Advantage Coloration Advantage Additional Adaptations (specific to your fish) Include Common Name as well as Scientific Name. For example: Common Name: Atlantic Croaker Scientific Name: Micropogonias undulatus 1. Makes a loud noise - strong muscles vibrating against its swim bladder. 2. They have dark backs and black spots forming irregular, wavy lines on the sides. Color ranges. Some, dull silver. During spawning season (August to October), croakers turn a deep golden color. 1. ½ - 2 lbs 2. 1 – ½ ft long Fusiform, or spindleshaped, body that is moderately compressed from side to side.