Vertebrate Zoology - Practical Course - V. V. Kuibida - 2007

MODULE 1. Class Cyclostomata and Superclass Fishes

IDENTIFICATION OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CYCLOSTOMES AND FISHES

Materials and Equipment

The following items are required for the practical work:

1. A drag net or other fishing gear, containers for transporting live fish, 5 rulers, 5 pairs of scissors, 5 forceps, and hand lenses.

2. Wet specimens of lampreys and 15–20 live fish specimens.

3. Dissection tools and measuring instruments.

4. Charts on the Taxonomy of cyclostomes and Fishes.

5. Identification keys for freshwater fishes.

Lesson Plan

1. To learn how to proficiently use a fish identification key.

2. To identify the most characteristic species of cyclostomes and fishes of the Pereiaslav region.

3. To familiarize students with the taxonomic features of identified fish species using concrete specimens.

4. To learn and master the Latin names and Main characteristics of 15 fish species.

5. To explain 10 vernacular (common) names of fishes associated with their body shape, size, surface growths, resemblance to other animals or various objects, surface features and coloration, spawning time, feeding habits, ecological traits, etc.

Execution of the Task

1. Familiarize yourself with the principal terms encountered in fish identification and the Specific features of the identification process.

2. Catch representative fish specimens.

3. Examine the Characteristic Features of Structure and coloration, and identify the species.

4. Record the main taxonomic features characteristic of the identified fish species in your laboratory notebook.

5. Sketch the key diagnostic features used to recognize each species.

The maximum score for the module "Fishes" is 15 points, distributed as follows: proficiency in fish species identification — 5 points; Latin names and species characteristics — 7 points; explanation of common fish names — 3 points.

Glossary of Principal Terms Encountered in Fish Identification

Lateral line — a series of scales perforated by pores, forming a horizontal row of dots or dashes. It can be complete (extending from the HEAD to the caudal fin), incomplete (failing to reach the caudal fin), or represented solely by pores or genipores on the head (Fig. 1, 3).

Class="center">

Fig. 1. Lateral line of the sabre carp

Superior Mouth — when the mouth opening is directed upwards, as the lower jaw projects forward and extends beyond the upper jaw (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2. Various mouth shapes: a — superior (sabre carp); b — terminal (tench); c — inferior (nase)

Body depth — the maximum or minimum (caudal peduncle depth) height of the body.

Height of the dorsal or anal fin — the length of the longest ray of that fin.

Genipores — small pores on the head of gobies (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3. Head of a goby showing genipores

Pharyngeal Teeth — modified gill rakers located on the fifth gill arch in cyprinid fishes (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4. Pharyngeal teeth: a — uniserial (roach); b — biserial (rudd); c — triserial (barbel)

Keel — a sharp edge of the belly or back, which may be scaled or scaleless.

Terminal mouth — when both jaws end anteriorly on the same vertical plane (Fig. 2).

Interbranchial space — the gap separating the right and left gill cavities ventrally.

Subsuperior mouth — when the lower jaw protrudes slightly forward.

Subinferior mouth — when the upper jaw protrudes slightly forward.

Inferior mouth — when the upper jaw extends significantly over the lower jaw (Fig. 2).

Chin — the area between the lower jaw and the attachment point of the branchiostegal membranes.

Fin rays — can be branched or unbranched. In some cyprinid species, the unbranched ray may have a serrated posterior margin resembling a saw.

Heterocercal tail — a tail fin in which the upper lobe is larger than the lower lobe.

Fig. 5. Heterocercal tail type

Dermal keel — a keel located on the sides of the caudal peduncle, formed by keeled scales.

Forehead width is the distance between the eyes.

Identification key to Species of the Class Petromyzontides

Family Petromyzontidae — Genus Eudontomyzon

The oral disc lacks setiform labial teeth, or when present, they do not form a continuous row on the lower lip (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6. Oral disc: a — Ukrainian brook lamprey; b — Hungarian lamprey

Ukrainian brook lamprey — E. mаrіае (Веrg.).

Setiform labial teeth are present in the oral disc. The lower labial teeth form a continuous row (Fig. 6).

Hungarian lamprey — E. dапfоrdі (Regan.).

Identification Key to Orders of Fishes

Five pairs of gill slits located on the sides or on the ventral side of the head.

Gill openings are located on the sides of the head. The body is fusiform. The anal fin is absent.

Order Squaliformes — Squaliformes.

Family Squalidae — Squalidae.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine — Spiny dogfish — Sqrnlun асаnthiаs (L.).

Gill openings are located on the ventral side of the head. The body is dorsoventrally flattened.

Order Rajiformes — Rajiformes.

Gill arches are covered by an operculum forming a gill cavity connected to the external environment by a single pair of openings or a single unpaired opening.

Body asymmetrical (both eyes located on the same side of the head).

Order Pleuronectiformes — Pleuronectiformes.

Body symmetrical (eyes located on both sides of the head).

Tail of heterocercal type (Fig. 5). Body covered with five longitudinal rows of large bony scutes.

Order Acipenseriformes — Acipenseriformes.

Family Acipenseridae — Acipenseridae.

Tail of a different structure. Body not covered with five longitudinal rows of large bony scutes.

Pelvic fins are absent or modified (into spines or barbels).

Pelvic fins are spine-like (sometimes followed by soft rays).

Order Gasterosteiformes — sticklebacks and allies.

Family Gasterosteidae — sticklebacks.

Pelvic fins are absent.

Snout is tubular, and gill openings appear as small pores near the dorsal side. The body is covered with bony plates.

Order Syngnathiformes — pipefishes and seahorses.

Family Syngnathidae — pipefishes and seahorses.

Snout is not tubular. The body is not covered with bony plates.

Dorsal and anal fins are long and continuous directly with the caudal fin.

Four barbels on the throat (modified pelvic fins).

Order Perciformes (part).

No barbels on the throat.

Order Anguilliformes.

Family Anguillidae.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the European eel — Anguilla anguilla (L.).

The dorsal fin(s) and anal fin are not confluent with the caudal fin, being separated by a distinct, albeit small, gap.

Order Perciformes (part).

Pelvic fins are well developed.

Fused pelvic fins form a funnel-shaped structure (suctorial disc) in which individual rays are clearly visible.

Order Perciformes (part).

Pelvic fins are not funnel-shaped.

Adipose fin is present.

Four pairs of barbels on the head, one pair of which reaches the Base of the pectoral fins. The body is naked.

Order Siluriformes (part).

No barbels. Body covered with scales, head scaleless. Order Salmoniformes (in part).

No barbels on the head.

Order Clupeiformes (in part).

Adipose fin absent.

Pelvic fins situated posterior to the pectoral fins at a distance not less than half the length of the pectoral fin (in the middle part of the body or closer to the anus).

Two dorsal fins.

Order Mugilliformes.

A single dorsal fin.

Snout highly elongated, slender.

Order Beloniformes.

Family Belonidae.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — Garfish — Веlоnе bеlоnе Gun.

If the snout is elongated, it is not slender, although it may be compressed dorsoventrally.

Around the mouth or at its corners 6–10 barbels.

Order Cypriniformes (in part).

3 pairs of barbels on the head, one pair of which, when extended along the body, reaches the base of the pectoral fins. Body naked.

Order Siluriformes (in part).

Around the mouth opening or at the corners of the mouth no more than 4 barbels or entirely absent.

Opercula covered with scales.

Order Salmoniformes (in part).

Opercula not covered with scales.

The fifth gill arch bears pharyngeal teeth.

Order Cypriniformes.

Pharyngeal teeth absent.

Order Clupeiformes.

The pelvic fins are located in front of, beneath, or slightly behind the pectoral fins (at a distance less than half the length of the pectoral fin).

A single chin barbel is present, its length being several times greater than its width.

Order Gadiformes — Gadiformes.

Family Gadidae — Gadiae.

There are either no chin barbels, or more than one; if a single barbel is present, it is wart-like and its length does not exceed its width.

Order Perciformes — Perdfarmes.

Identification key to fish families

Order Salmoniformes — Salmoniformes.

Adipose fin is present.

Family Salmonidae — Salmonidae.

Adipose fin is absent. The head is unscaled. The jaws are elongated and armed with teeth.

Family Esocidae — Еsoсidae.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only a single species — the northern pike — Еsох ludus L.

The head is scaled. Small-sized fishes.

Family Umbridae — Umbridae.

Typical representative — European mudminnow — Umbra crameri Wal.

Order Siluriformes — Siluriformes.

Adipose fin is present. Four pairs of barbels on the head.

Family Ictaluridae — Ictaluridae.

Typical representative — Brown bullhead — Ictalurus nebulosus Les.

Adipose fin is absent. Three pairs of barbels on the head. Jaws equipped with numerous small teeth.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only a single species — Wels catfish — Silurus glanis L.

Order Cypriniformes — Cуpriniformes

Around the mouth opening, there are 6–10 barbels.

Family Cobitidae — Cobitidae.

There are fewer than 6–10 barbels around the mouth, or they are completely absent.

Family Cyprinidae — Cyprinidae.

Barbels around the mouth. Body of rounded shape.

Family Balitoridae — Balitoridae.

Genus Stone Loach — Barbatula.

One species in Ukraine — Stone loach — Barbatula barbatula (L.).

Order Perciformes — Perciformes.

Pelvic fins are funnel-shaped with well-defined rays.

Family Gobiidae — Gobiidae.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine — Monkey goby — Neogobius fluviatilis (Pall.).

Pelvic fins are not funnel-shaped. The posterior edge of the gill cover has a tooth (sharp projection).

Family Percidae — Percidae.

The posterior edge of the gill cover has no sharp projection. The body is not fully covered with scales.

Family Cottidae — Cottidae.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine — Bullhead — Cottus gobio L.

Identification key for fish genera

Family Acipenseridae — Acipenseridae.

The branchial cutaneous membranes surrounding the gill covers fuse on the underside of the head, forming a free fold across the interbranchial space (Fig. 7).

Genus Beluga — Huso.

Only one species in the fauna of Ukraine — Beluga sturgeon — H. huso Salnicov et Malyatskii.

The branchial cutaneous membranes surrounding the gill covers do not fuse on the underside of the head, but are attached to the isthmus without forming a free fold over it (Fig. 7).

Fig. 7. Heads of sturgeons (a — beluga; b — ship sturgeon): 1 — interrupted lip; 2 — continuous lip; 3 — gill membranes attached to the interbranchial space; 4 — gill covers forming a free fold.

Genus Sturgeon — Acipenser.

Family Gasterosteidae — Gasterosteidae.

There are from 2 to 5, most commonly 3, spines in front of the dorsal fin. Genus Three-spined sticklebacks — Gasterosteus. Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single

species — Three-spined stickleback — G. aculeatus L.

More than 5 spines in front of the dorsal fin.

Genus Nine-spined sticklebacks — Pungitius.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — Southern nine-spined stickleback — P. platygaster (Kessl.).

Family Salmonids — Salmonidae.

More than 150 scales in the lateral line.

Genus Salmon — Salmo.

A typical representative of the Ukrainian fauna is the Brown trout — Salmo trutta fario L.

No more than 150 scales in the lateral line.

Genus Huchen — Hucho.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — Danube salmon — Hucho hucho L.

Family Loaches — Cobitidae.

There are 10 barbels around the mouth opening, varying in length (the middle ones on the lower jaw are wart-like).

Genus Pond loach — Misgurnus. Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — Pond loach — M. fossilis (L.).

There are 6 barbels around the mouth opening, which are nearly equal in length.

Body slightly compressed laterally; a spine is located beneath each eye (test with a needle or tweezers by stroking firmly from back to front).

Genus Spined loaches — Cobitis.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Spined loach — C. taenia L.

Family Carps — Cyprinidae.

In the anal fin, the first ray is serrated at the rear like a saw.

Two pairs of barbels.

Genus Carp — Cyprinus.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — Common carp — C. carpio L.

Barbels are absent.

Genus Carassius — Carassius.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the crucian carp (goldfish) — C. carassius (L.).

There is no serrated ray in the anal fin.

The mouth is shaped like a transverse slit on the underside of the head.

Genus Chondrostoma — Chondrostoma.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — the nase — Ch. nasus (L.).

The mouth is not shaped like a transverse slit.

There is no unscaled keel in front of the anal fin.

Barbels are present.

There is a single pair of barbels.

Pharyngeal teeth are uniserial. The mouth is terminal.

Genus Tench — Tinca.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — the tench — T. tinca (L.).

Pharyngeal teeth are biserial. The mouth is inferior.

Genus Gudgeon — Gobio.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the gudgeon — G. gobio (L.).

There are two pairs of barbels.

Genus Barbel — Barbus.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the barbel — B. barbus (L.).

Barbels are absent.

The anal fin begins anterior to the vertical line of the posterior margin of the dorsal fin.

Genus Bitterling — Rhodeus.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — the European bitterling — R. sericeus (Pall.).

The anal fin begins below or behind the vertical line of the posterior margin of the dorsal fin.

Pharyngeal teeth are uniserial.

Genus Roach — Rutilus.

A typical representative of Ukraine's fauna is the Roach — R. rutilus (L.).

Pharyngeal teeth are arranged in two rows.

The lower jaw features a median tubercle, while the upper jaw has a notch.

Genus Asp — Aspius.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — the Asp, or Rapfen — A. aspius (L.).

The lower jaw lacks a prominent median tubercle.

There are more than 70 transverse rows of scales.

Genus Minnow — Phoxinus.

A typical representative of Ukraine's fauna is the Eurasian minnow — Ph. phoxinus (L.).

There are fewer than 70 transverse rows of scales.

The lateral line is incomplete.

Genus Bleak — Leucaspis.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — the Delyne's bleak — L. delineatus (Heck.).

The lateral line is complete.

The dorsal fin originates above the pelvic fins.

Genus Dace — Leuciscus

A typical representative of Ukraine's fauna is the Ide — L. idus (L.).

The dorsal fin originates posterior to the vertical line of the rear margin of the pelvic fin base.

Genus Rudd — Scardinius.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — the Rudd — S. erythrophthalmus (L.).

A naked keel, devoid of scales, is present in front of the caudal fin.

The lateral line has several distinct curves (zigzag-shaped). Genus Sabrecarp — Pelecus.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — the Sabrecarp — P. cultratus (L.).

The lateral line has no more than one bend or is entirely straight.

Pharyngeal teeth are uniserial.

There is no scaled keel behind the dorsal fin. Genus Bream — Abramis.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Common Bream — A. brama (L.).

There is a scaled keel behind the dorsal fin.

Genus Vimba — Vimba.

Only one species is present in the fauna of Ukraine — Vimba — V. vimba (L.).

Pharyngeal teeth are biserial.

There is an unscaled groove in front of the dorsal fin. Genus Silver Bream — Blicca.

Only one species is present in the fauna of Ukraine — Silver Bream — B. bjoerkna (L.).

There is no unscaled groove on the back in front of the fin.

The unscaled keel starts at some distance from the pelvic fins.

Genus Shemaya — Chalcalburnus.

Only one species is present in the fauna of Ukraine — Shemaya — Ch. chalcoides (Hesk.).

The unscaled keel starts immediately after the pelvic fins.

A double strip of black spots runs along both sides of the lateral line.

Genus Riffle Minnow — Alburnoides.

A typical representative in Ukraine is the Russian Riffle Minnow — A. bipunctatus rossicus Berg.

There is no double strip of black spots along the lateral line.

Genus Bleak — Alburnus.

Only one species is present in the fauna of Ukraine — Bleak — A. alburnus (L.).

Family Perch — Percidae.

The dorsal fins are connected to each other.

Genus Ruffe — Gymnocephalus.

A typical representative in Ukraine is the Eurasian Ruffe — Gymnocephalus cernuus (L.).

The dorsal fins are not connected to each other.

Body fusiform; maxillary bone posteriorly covered by the lacrimal. Mouth inferior.

Genus Asp — Zingel.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Asp — Z. zingel (L.).

Body slightly compressed laterally; maxillary bone posteriorly not covered by the lacrimal. Mouth terminal or superior.

The first dorsal fin consists of 12–17 rays.

All teeth on the jaws are nearly uniform.

Genus Perch — Perca.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — the European perch — P. fluviatilis L.

Among the jaw teeth, prominent canine teeth are clearly visible.

Genus Pikeperch — Sander.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the pikeperch — S. lucioperca (L.).

Key for the identification of the most common freshwater fish species (adapted and supplemented from O.B. Kistyakivsky and I.I. Mazepa, 1967)

Pelvic fins fused, forming a disc. Monkey goby.

Pelvic fins separate from each other.

A single unpaired barbel present on the chin. Pelvic fins positioned anterior to the pectoral fins, on the throat. Burbot.

No unpaired chin barbel. Pelvic fins positioned posterior to or directly beneath the pectoral fins.

Rays of the first dorsal fin or the anterior part of the single dorsal fin are stiff and spiny. Pelvic fins located beneath or slightly behind the pectoral fins.

Only the first 1–2 rays in the dorsal fin may be spiny. Pelvic fins set apart from the pectoral fins.

Two separate dorsal fins present.

Dorsal fins fused into one.

Opercles with spines. Body not elongate, relatively deep. Pelvic fins red. Canines absent. European perch.

Opercles without spines. Body elongated. Pelvic fins not red. Canines present. Pikeperch.

Snout short, blunt. Eyes purple. Dorsal fin with 11–16 spiny rays. Ruffe.

Snout elongated, long. Eyes not purple. Dorsal fin with 17–19 spiny rays. Distinct dark spots on the body sides and back. Asp.

Jaws armed with large, strong teeth or numerous small teeth 8

There are no teeth in the jaws

The body is naked, without scales. There is a pair of long barbels and two short pairs. The anal fin is very long. The jaws bear numerous tiny teeth. Wels catfish.

The body is covered with scales. Barbels are absent. The caudal fin is of normal length. The elongated jaws are armed with strong teeth. Pike.

The scales are very small, almost invisible, making the body appear naked. There are at least three pairs of barbels around the mouth. The body is elongated, sometimes almost snake-like. The scales are large and clearly visible. There are no barbels or no more than two pairs. The body is not snake-like

The head is strongly compressed laterally. There is a spine beneath the eye, pressed against the cheek. Spined loach.

The head is not compressed laterally. There is no spine beneath the eye.

A broad dark stripe runs along the sides of the body. There are five pairs of barbels around the mouth. Weatherfish.

Irregular dark spots are present on the sides of the body. There are only three pairs of barbels around the mouth. Stone loach.

The dorsal and anal fins contain a hard, serrated ray.

There are no hard, serrated rays in the dorsal and anal fins.

There are two pairs of small barbels on the upper lip. Common carp.

There are no barbels on the Lips. Crucian carp or goldfish.

The lateral line forms a zigzag behind the pectoral fin. The body is elongated, flat, herring-like. Saberfish.

The lateral line does not form a zigzag (though it may be incomplete, ending shortly after the head)

The mouth is inferior, shaped like a straight transverse slit.

The lower jaw has a sharp, cartilaginous edge. Common nase (Fig. 8).

Fig. 8. Mouth of the nase.

The mouth is of a different structure

There is a pair of barbels near the mouth

Barbels are absent

The body is elongated and narrow. The mouth is inferior. The caudal fin is deeply notched. The coloration is mottled. Gudgeon.

The body is short and stout. The caudal fin has an almost straight margin. The coloration is plain, greenish-golden. Tench.

There is a scaleless fleshy keel on the belly between the pelvic fins and the anal fin

There is no fleshy keel on the belly, and the scales cross the midline, meeting the scales of the opposite side.

Body elongated, its length more than 3.5 times exceeding its height. Small fish. Lateral line not bordered by a double row of black dots. Bleak.

Body strongly compressed laterally, high; length exceeds height by no more than 3.5 times

Anal fin relatively short, with no more than 30 branched rays.

Body exceptionally high and short

Anal fin long, with more than 30 branched rays. Body not as high

Pectoral fins without a pink tint. Above the lateral line, level with the anterior margin of the dorsal fin, there are 11 — 14 scale rows. Scales behind the head are smaller than those on the back and belly. Anal fin pointed posteriorly, where it is 4—5 times lower than anteriorly. Common bream.

Pectoral fins pink. Above the lateral line, level with the anterior margin of the dorsal fin, there are 9—10 scale rows. Anal fin blunt posteriorly, and its minimum height fits into the maximum height less than 4 times. White bream.

Mouth semi-inferior. Vimba bream.

Mouth terminal. Blue bream.

Lateral line present only on the anterior scales

Lateral line complete, extending to the end of the body

Body high and short: its length exceeds its height by no more than threefold. European bitterling.

Body elongated: its length exceeds its height by more than four times. Moder.

A noticeable notch is present at the tip of the upper jaw, accommodating a low PROJECTION OF THE lower jaw tip. Mouth terminal, large, lower jaw protrusible. Asp.

No notch on the tip of the upper jaw and no projection on the lower jaw. Mouth smaller in size

No red color in the coloration of the fins. Pharyngeal teeth in two rows. Body length up to 20 cm. Common dace.

Red color is present in the coloration of the fins.

Eye red. Pharyngeal teeth in a single row. Roach.

Eye yellow or orange

No red color in the dorsal and caudal fins. Pharyngeal teeth in two rows. Body length up to 60 cm. Chub.

All fins are red or tinged with red

Dorsal fin begins behind the vertical of the pelvic fin base. Mouth superior. Rudd.

Dorsal fin begins above the pelvic fins. Mouth terminal. Pharyngeal teeth in two rows. Body length up to 50 cm. Ide.