What class are fish? Distinctive features, structure, reproduction of fish. Beluga fish Behavior and lifestyle

Salmon species are among the most abundant inhabitants of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, as well as freshwater bodies of water located in the northern hemisphere. The most famous and constantly occurring representatives of this family are fish such as trout, salmon, pink salmon, chum salmon, salmon, coho salmon, seal, whitefish, sockeye and others. These fish are characterized by excellent taste characteristics. In this regard, their meat is used in cooking for the preparation of both typical, everyday dishes, and for the preparation of exquisite gourmet dishes, as a serving on festive tables. Do not forget that salmon are the source of such a delicacy as red caviar.

This article will tell you about the characteristics of salmonids' life, their way of life, about useful properties and about fishing for this fish.

It should be noted that salmonids, in turn, are subdivided into several subspecies, such as salmonids, grayling and whitefish.

According to researchers, similar view fish originated in the Cretaceous mesozoic era... Nowadays, salmonids, in their appearance, resemble herring-like ones. Salmonids, depending on the type, can grow in length from several tens of cm to 2 m, or even 2.5 m. Some of the longest representatives of this genus are whitefish. Moreover, their weight can be several tens of kg.

Individual specimens of chinook salmon, taimen or salmon reach a mass of 60 to 100 kg. Salmon do not live long, about 10 years on average, although long-livers can also be found, for example, taimen lives up to almost 50 years.

The salmon family is distinguished by a run-through and, at the same time, a body compressed at the sides, on which there is a round scale. The fins are located in the middle of the belly. They can be easily distinguished from other types of fish by the presence of an adipose fin. big size... In these types of fish, the air bubble connects to the esophagus, and the skeleton is not as bony as in other types of fish. For example, the skull is not made of solid bone, but cartilage.

Representatives of the genus salmon inhabit both salt and fresh water bodies. Salt water bodies are seas and oceans, and rivers are fresh water. They inhabit the fresh waters of the North African continent in huge numbers, as well as the North American continent.

At the same time, it should be emphasized that salmon prefer conditions typical for the cold hemisphere. As for the warm hemisphere, salmonids can only be found in artificial breeding conditions. In Russia, salmon are found in the Far East, Kamchatka, near the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin. It is in these areas that they are engaged in the industrial catch of these types of fish.

Representatives of this genus of fish, inhabiting the seas and oceans in nature, move to freshwater rivers before spawning. Being in rivers, at this moment salmon receive the status of anadromous fish. Some of these species can initially live in fresh water bodies, namely, in lakes. What is most interesting is that they go to spawn in the places where they were previously born. Salmon spawn in the second or third year of their life. Another very interesting fact from their lives: they go to spawning grounds first and last time In my life. After the fish spawns, it all dies, being then a food source for many animals living in the spawning areas. Such a life path is passed by salmon living in the Pacific Ocean, such as pink salmon, chum salmon, sockeye salmon, etc. As for the salmon living in Atlantic Ocean, then not all individuals die after the spawn. At the same time, some individuals lay eggs at least 4-5 times during the period of their life.

Before and during spawning, salmon undergo significant changes, especially in terms of color. Individuals become brighter, decorated with spots of a red or black hue, and a hump forms in males. Pink salmon got its name based on this fact. Despite this, some species often change their colors, depending on the conditions of the living environment.

Types of salmon fish and their names

There are a lot of species, so it will not be possible to talk about all of them, but it makes sense to talk about the most interesting and most popular ones, which have specific differences.

Salmon is also called "northern" or "noble" salmon. Salmon is one of the most valuable fish of this family. It stands out for its delicious and tender meat, which contains a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. Its most widespread population is in the White Sea.

Its body, from 1 to 1.5 meters long, is covered with scales of a silver hue, without the characteristic salmon species fish, on the sides of the spots. The diet of salmon consists of small fish. During the period of active reproduction, it practically refuses to eat. When salmon leaves for spawning grounds, it can be identified by the prominent spots of red or orange color that appear on the body of the fish.

It is quite easy to distinguish pink salmon from other representatives of this kind by very small scales of a silver tint, as well as the presence of a large number of spots in the tail area. During the spawning period, pink salmon greatly transforms its appearance, as well as its coloring. Females become almost black, especially head and fins, while males grow teeth and a hump forms on the back.

Pink salmon grows up to 65-70 cm in length, no more. Habitat - Pacific Ocean and Atlantic. During the spawning period, pink salmon moves to rivers, both on the North American continent and in Russian Siberia. At the same time, it does not rise far upstream.

Pink salmon have rather large caviar, reaching a size of 5 to 8 mm. After spawning, all fish die. Pink salmon begins to spawn at the age of three or four. The diet of pink salmon includes small fish, molluscs and crustaceans. According to many scientists, pink salmon is a relatively thermophilic fish, as it enters wintering areas where the water does not cool below +5 degrees. Pink salmon belongs to valuable varieties of commercial fish types and is considered a seafood recognized all over the world. They tried to breed humpback salmon in other reservoirs, but it did not take root.

Chum salmon can also be attributed to the most known species fish. It is characterized by a silvery color without any extraneous stripes or spots. During the spawning period, it becomes almost black. It can be found in the Pacific Ocean, and for spawning, it comes to its places, which are located in the upper reaches of Siberian rivers such as the Kolyma, Lena, Yana, Amur and others.

There are two forms of this fish:

  • autumn, as the largest, about 1 m long.
  • summer, no more than 70-80 cm in length.

Chum has quite large caviar (7-8 mm) and is a valuable commercial species.

Red salmon is especially common in the Pacific Ocean, but it is not very famous in Russia, as it is usually caught off the Asian coast or off the coast of Alaska. Sockeye salmon is distinguished by the presence of a large number of gill stamens, as well as the bright red color of the meat, in comparison with the meat of other salmonids. It has a pale pink hue.

She has rather small caviar (4-5 mm), compared to other types salmon fish... It grows up to 70-80 cm in length. The red salmon feeds on small crustaceans. There are two types of sockeye salmon. This is due to the fact that these subspecies spawn at different periods:

  • in the spring;
  • summer or autumn.

The main habitat of this fish is the Pacific Ocean, and coho salmon spawn in the waters of the North American continent and Asia. Coho salmon has silvery scales of a bright hue, therefore it is also called "silver salmon". Basically, coho salmon grows up to 60 cm in length, although there are individuals up to 80 cm in size. Coho salmon spawn from September to March, which may be characterized by the presence of ice on the surface of the reservoir. During this period, females and males change their color to a bright crimson color.

At the same time, coho salmon is considered to be a rather thermophilic fish, since it hibernates in places where the water does not cool below + 5 ° С, and in some places even + 9 ° С.

It is considered the most valuable fish of the salmon family. In addition, it is considered the largest representative of them. She can gain weight up to 50 kg, with a length of 80-90 cm. It can be distinguished by its characteristic gill rays, which can be counted at least fifteen in it.

It can be found near the North American continent, while it can spawn in rivers Of the Far East... Chinook salmon spawns throughout the summer. Moreover, the fish with its tail makes depressions in the bottom and lays eggs. Chinook salmon live for at least seven years, while average duration her life is 4-5 years. Chinook salmon feeds on small fish. Chinook salmon has nutritious red meat, therefore, it is caught in large quantities.

This fish, which is found in the Russian Baltic, the Black, White and Aral Seas, is also called salmon - taimen. It is considered a migratory fish and is sent to spawning grounds located in European rivers. They grow up to 47 cm in length, reaching from two to five kilograms in weight. Despite this, you can find individual specimens weighing up to 15 kg. Trout is also caught at a commercial rate because of the tasty and healthy meat. The brown trout prefers to lead an interesting way of life: it goes to spawn in the upper reaches of rivers, does not migrate over great distances, and prefers fresh water bodies, in which it spends most of its existence.

Trout, which is found in the Azov and Black Seas, is called the “Black Sea salmon”.

It is not a very large representative of the salmon genus, which can be found in both salt and fresh water. On average, whitefish have a lifespan of 7-10 years. Although there are individuals that have lived up to twenty years and have grown up to 50 cm in length.

The fish has a silvery hue and dark fins. As a rule, several subspecies of whitefish are distinguished, which practically do not differ from one another. At the same time, one should mention one feature of whitefish: they have meat white, in comparison with other salmonids.

Nelma belongs to the whitefish subfamily, but, unlike other relatives of this subfamily, it can grow up to 1.3 meters in length, with a weight of about 30 kg.

This fish does not like salty water bodies, and is found mainly in the rivers of the cold hemisphere. Going out to sea, it tries to adhere to the desalinated parts of the water area. It is of commercial interest, as it is characterized by delicious and nutritious meat.

This fish is subdivided into common, Sakhalin, Korean and Danube taimen. These types differ external appearance due to the specific living conditions. The common taimen is usually found on the Amur River and large lakes. It differs from its Danube relative in a smaller number of stamens on the gills.

Sakhalin taimen is an anadromous fish. It can grow up to one meter in length, while gaining weight from 20 to 30 kilograms. Taimen is a valuable commercial fish. He feeds on small fish.

Lenok is distinguished by a dark color, with a golden tint. It spawns with rather small caviar, and by appearance resembles whitefish.

This type of fish is found in the rivers of the Far East, as well as in Siberia. His diet includes the larvae of all kinds of insects. Like most salmonids, the lenok is one of the commercial fish.

Trout

Who hasn't heard of trout? This representative of the salmon genus inhabits large lakes such as Onega and Ladosh. Trout can be found in Karelia and in the basin Of the White Sea and the Baltic.

Depending on its habitat, brook (common) and lake trout are distinguished. This fish prefers freshwater waters with crystal clear and cold water... Moreover, it can have a peculiar color. Trout spawns in the autumn-winter period. Trout feeds on a variety of foods, from insect larvae to small fish.

There are several types of trout:

  • alpine;
  • scottish;
  • european;
  • american, etc.

Trout stands out for its very tasty meat, so it is caught industrially. Along with the commercial catch, trout are bred in artificial reservoirs on an industrial scale. This type of fish is an object of fishing, both for amateur anglers and sports anglers.

This fish is found in Lake Sevan and in translation means "prince". Ishkhan spawns during a certain period of the year. Their usual color is silver, but during the spawning period, the fish changes its color to dark, with bright red spots that appear on the body of individuals. Ishkhan spawns at the bottom of the lake. Some individuals gain weight of 15 kg, but the average size of this fish is within 30 cm, with a mass of about half a kilogram. Ishkhan contains a very appetizing meat, from which you can cook true delicacies.

The salmon family includes a large number of fish species that are valued for their excellent taste. Some of the species are anadromous, while others are freshwater, but all of them are of great commercial value.

Beluga, crucian carp, herring, trout, carp, silver carp, carp are well-known fish. This list is endless. And their commercial value can hardly be overestimated. Indeed, it is very diverse. Modern taxonomy numbers more than 20 thousand species of these aquatic animals. Thanks to what features of the structure they managed to master this habitat and take a dominant position in it. What class are fish that differ in their structure? You will find the answer to these and other questions in our article.

Signs of fish

No wonder they say about self-confident people: "Feels like a fish in water." Scientists know that the first fish lived in the Silurian period. Outwardly, they looked like modern sharks with movable jaws, on which sharp teeth were located. Millions of years have passed, in the process they have changed and acquired a number of new adaptive characteristics.

Like aquatic animals, they all have a streamlined body, are fully or partially covered with scales, various types of fins are located on the body, and the gills are the respiratory organs. These are common features for all representatives of this systematic unit. But what class the fish belong to can be answered by considering their significant differences. IN this moment there are two of them: Bone and Cartilage.

Features of the external structure

The body of absolutely all fish is covered with scales. It protects the skin of aquatic inhabitants from excessive water friction. After all, most of them spend most of their lives in motion. An additional protection against friction is the large amount of mucus, which the skin is rich in. This helps many species survive in adverse conditions of temporary drought. Not all fish species have full scales. For example, in sharks, it is located in one row along the surface of the body, in appearance resembling their teeth. The same can be said about the numerous representatives of the Sturgeon order. Most bony fish are protected by scales, like a strong shell. It also performs additional functions: camouflage from predators, warning coloration in predators and poisonous species, sex symbol, in water.

Fin structure

Next characteristic feature fish is the presence of fins. These formations serve as limbs for movement in the water, and some ancient species are even able to crawl with their help. The fins are combined into two groups. The first are paired: abdominal and chest. They help to maintain the balance of fish in the water column. Unpaired are caudal, anal and dorsal. They work like a rudder, guiding the body of aquatic animals in the right direction. As a result of evolution, the limbs of reptiles were formed from the fins of fish.

On the body of the fish, you can easily see the lateral line. It is a unique organ of balance and touch, characteristic only of fish.

Internal structure of fish

The organ systems of these animals also have their own characteristics associated with the aquatic habitat. The musculoskeletal system is represented by the skeleton. Depending on the class, it is formed by cartilage or bone tissue. All bones of the head skeleton are connected motionlessly, except for the lower jaw. This allows the fish to capture prey easily. The structure of this section of the skeleton also includes the gill covers and arches, to the latter of which the respiratory organs of fish - the gills - are attached. consists of separate vertebrae, connected to each other and motionless with the skull. Ribs are attached to the trunk of the spine. The fin skeleton is represented by rays. They are also formed by bone tissue. But paired fins also have belts. Muscles are attached to them, which set them in motion.

Through type. It begins with the oropharyngeal cavity. Most fish have sharp teeth on their jaws, which serve to grab and tear food. In the process of digestion, enzymes of the glands - liver and pancreas are also involved. In the processes of excretion and salt metabolism, paired kidneys play the main role in the fish organism. They open outward with the help of the ureters.

Fish are cold-blooded animals. This means that their body temperature depends on the changes occurring in environment... This sign is determined by the circulatory system. It is represented by a two-chambered heart and a closed vessel structure. In the course of its movement, venous and arterial blood mix.

The nervous system is represented by the brain and spinal cord and nerves. And its peripheral part is by nerve fibers. In the brain special development reaches the cerebellum. This part determines the fast and coordinated movements of the fish. The senses are able to perceive any irritation possible in the aquatic environment. Since the lens of the eyes in fish does not change its shape and position, animals see well only at a short distance. But at the same time, they are able to distinguish both the shape and color of various objects. The organ of sound perception is represented by the inner ear and is associated with the structure responsible for balance.

Reproduction of fish also has its own characteristics. These animals are dioecious, with external fertilization.

What is spawning

The reproduction process of fish is also called spawning. It takes place in water. The female lays eggs, and the male waters it with seminal fluid. As a result, a fertilized egg is formed. As a result of successive mitotic divisions, an adult develops from it.

Sometimes fish breeding is associated with spawning migrations and significant changes in the behavior and structure of fish during this period. For example, pink salmon form large herds, in which they move from the seas to the upper reaches of rivers. During this journey, they have to overcome many obstacles, moving against the current. In these fish, a hump forms on the back, the jaw turns out and bends. Having lost a lot of strength, after the fertilization process, adults die. Surprisingly, young fry return back on their own to the same habitat.

Fish groups

The huge species diversity necessitated the classification of this. Currently, scientists have accurately identified the characteristics by which the class of Pisces can be classified. Systematic affiliation is determined by the presence of gill slits or covers and the type of scales. So you can distinguish between bony and cartilaginous fish. There are other signs by which these animals are united into groups. For example, fish that move to other habitats to spawn are called anadromous. But, given the field of application, there are commercial and decorative representatives of these aquatic animals.

Cartilaginous fish

What class are fish that have a cartilaginous skeleton, gill slits that open outward? It's easy to guess. These are cartilaginous fish. They do not have a swim bladder, so they either live on the bottom or are constantly in motion. Sawfish, white, giant, whale sharks, stingray stingray ... You know such fish. The list of dangerous predators can be continued with the sea devil, the electric ray and these marine life pose a great danger to the life of animals and humans. Although there are quite innocent specimens among cartilaginous fish. So, it feeds on fish and crustaceans. In addition to a frightening appearance, it does not pose any danger to humans.

Bony fish

On the question of which class the fish belong to, which are the most numerous, perhaps every student will answer. Their skeleton consists entirely of bone tissue... The swim bladder, located in the body cavity, allows its owners to stay in the water column. The gills are covered with gill covers, and do not open outward with separate openings. Bony fish have such characteristics.

The meaning of fish

Representatives of this superclass of vertebrates are primarily of great commercial value. Man eats their nutritious meat and protein-rich caviar. And the number of cooking recipes different types does not know the account. Fish fat has long been used as a treatment for bacterial and viral respiratory diseases. A person annually catches a huge number of individuals and breeds them on their own. Meat and bones are also used to make flour. It is used as fertilizer and feed for many pets.

IN recent times sport fishing is becoming increasingly popular, attracting participants from different countries... And every one of us dreams of catching a goldfish that fulfills all desires!

Thus, to which class the fish belong can be determined by the features of their structure, organization and lifestyle.

Fish are common in all types of water bodies, from sea water areas to the smallest ponds, eriks and streams. Tropics and eternal ice are also rich in unusual fish species. In the reservoirs of Russia, aquatic inhabitants are very diverse and distinguished by their beauty. Within the territory of Russian Federation there are more than 120 thousand rivers, about 2 million lakes, 12 seas, 3 oceans, and all of them are habitats fish... Even in fresh Russian reservoirs, over 450 have adapted to live fish species, and many live permanently, and some arrive temporarily until a certain period.

general information

By the presence and nature of rays in the fins of most bony fish, a fin formula is drawn up, which is widely used in their description and definition. In this formula, the abbreviated designation of the fin is given in Latin letters: A - anal fin (from Latin pinna analis), P - pectoral fin (pinna pectoralis), V - pelvic fin (pinna ventralis) and D1, D2 - dorsal fins (pinna dorsalis). Roman numerals give the numbers of thorny rays, and Arabic numerals - soft rays.

The gills absorb oxygen from the water and release carbon dioxide, ammonia, urea and other waste products into the water. Have bony fish four branchial arches on each side.

The branchial stamens are the thinnest, longest and most numerous in fish that feed on plankton. In predators, the gill rakers are sparse and sharp. The number of stamens is counted on the first arch, located immediately below the operculum.

The pharyngeal teeth are located on the pharyngeal bones, behind the fourth branchial arch.

Pisces class - This is the most numerous group of modern vertebrates, which unites more than 25 thousand species. Fish are inhabitants aquatic environment, they breathe with gills and move with the help of their fins. Fish are common in different parts of the planet: from high-mountainous reservoirs to ocean depths, from polar waters to equatorial ones. These animals inhabit salt water seas, found in brackish lagoons and estuaries large rivers... They live in fresh rivers, streams, lakes and swamps.

External structure of fish

The main elements external structure The fish's bodies are: head, gill cover, pectoral fin, pelvic fin, trunk, dorsal fins, lateral line, caudal fin, tail and anal fin, as can be seen in the figure below.

Internal structure of fish

Fish organ systems

1. Skull (consists of the cerebral box, jaws, gill arches and gill covers)

2. The skeleton of the trunk (consists of vertebrae with processes-arcs and ribs)

3. Skeleton of fins (paired - pectoral and abdominal, unpaired - dorsal, anal, caudal)

1. Brain protection, food capture, gills protection

2. Protection of internal organs

3. Movement, maintaining balance

Musculature

Wide muscle bands, divided into segments

Motion

Nervous system

1. Brain (sections - anterior, middle, oblong, cerebellum)

2. Spinal cord (along the spine)

1. Control of movements, unconditioned and conditioned reflexes

2. Implementation of the simplest reflexes, conduction of nerve impulses

3. Perception and conduct of signals

Sense organs

3. The organ of hearing

4. Tactile and taste cells (on the body)

5. Side line

2. Smell

4. Touch, taste

5. Feeling the direction and strength of the current, the depth of immersion

Digestive system

1. Digestive tract (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, anus)

2. Digestive glands (pancreas, liver)

1. Capturing, chopping, moving food

2.excretion of juices that aid in the digestion of food

Swim bladder

Filled with a mixture of gases

Adjusts the immersion depth

Respiratory system

Gill lobes and gill arches

Carry out gas exchange

Circulatory system (closed)

Heart (bicameral)

Arteries

Capillaries

Supply of all body cells with oxygen and nutrients, removal of decay products

Excretory system

Kidneys (two), ureters, bladder

Isolation of decay products

Breeding system

In females: two ovaries and oviducts;

In males: testes (two) and vas deferens

The figure below shows the main systems internal structure fish

Pisces class classification

Currently living fish are divided into 2 main classes: cartilaginous fish and bony fish. Important distinctive features cartilaginous fish - the presence of an internal cartilaginous skeleton, several pairs of gill slits that open outward, and the absence of a swim bladder. Almost all modern cartilaginous fish live in the seas. Among them, sharks and rays are the most common.

The vast majority of modern fish belong to the class of bony fish. Representatives of this class have an ossified internal skeleton. A pair of external gill slits are covered with gill covers. Many bony fish have a swim bladder.

The main orders of Pisces

Orders of fish

The main signs of the detachment

Representatives

Cartilaginous skeleton, no swimming bladder, no operculum; predators

Tiger shark, whale shark, katran

Manta stingray

Sturgeon

Bone-cartilaginous skeleton, scales - five rows of large bone plates, between which there are small plates

Sturgeon, beluga, sterlet

Dipnoi

They have lungs and can breathe atmospheric air; notochord is preserved, no vertebral bodies

Australian horntooth, African flake

Kistepery

The skeleton is mainly composed of cartilage, there is a notochord; poorly developed swim bladder, fins in the form of fleshy outgrowths of the body

Latimeria (the only representative)

Carps

Mostly freshwater fish, there are no teeth on the jaws, but there are pharyngeal teeth for grinding food

Carp, crucian carp, roach, bream

Herring

Most are schooling sea fish

Herring, sardine, sprat

Cod

A distinctive feature is the presence of a mustache on the chin; the majority are cold-water marine fish

Haddock, herring, na-wag, burbot, tres

Ecological groups of fish

Depending on the habitat, ecological groups of fish are distinguished: freshwater, anadromous, brackish and marine.

Ecological groups of fish

Key features

Freshwater fish

These fish constantly live in fresh water. Some, such as crucian carp and tench, prefer stagnant bodies of water. Others, such as gudgeon, grayling, chub, have adapted to life in the flowing waters of rivers.

Anadromous fish

This includes fish that move from sea \u200b\u200bwater in fresh water (for example, salmon and sturgeon) or from fresh water they go to breed in salt water (some types of eels)

Brackish fish

They inhabit desalinated areas of the seas, the mouths of large rivers: such are many whitefish, roach, goby, river flounder.

Sea fish

They live in the salty water of the seas and oceans. The water column is inhabited by such fish as anchovy, mackerel, tuna. Stingray and flounder live at the bottom.

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Sourse of information:Biology in tables and diagrams. / Edition 2e, - SPb .: 2004.

Fish are classified according to a number of characteristics: lifestyle, fishing season, sex, physiological state, fatness, nutritional status, length or weight.

AB - fishing length of fish; AB - standard size; 1 - gill cover; 2 - hard dorsal fin; 3 - soft dorsal fin; 4 - tail fin; 5 - lateral line; 6 - anal fin; 7 - anus; 8 - pelvic fins; 9 - pectoral fins

The length of the fish is measured in a straight line from the top of the snout to the beginning of the middle rays of the caudal fin (Fig. 20). Some small and low-value fish are classified as fines of I, II or III groups. A number of fish species listed in the standard are not subdivided in terms of length and weight. The smallest length of fish that is allowed to be caught is established by fishing rules and international conventions.

IN merchandising practicefish are classified by species and families.

A species is a collection of individuals occupying a certain geographic area and having a number of inherited traits that distinguish this species from closely related species. Species that are close in a number of characteristics are combined into genera, and the latter into families.

IN trade practicethe classification of fish by families is mainly based on external signs... The strictly scientific classification of fish by families is based on many criteria. The characteristics of the main features of the families of the most common fish in commercial practice are given below.

Herring familyhas a laterally compressed body, covered with easily falling scales. There is no lateral line. The dorsal fin is single, the caudal fin has a deep notch. Herring is of commercial importance: Atlantic, Pacific, Danube, Donskaya, Dnieper, Kerch, Volzhskaya, Chernospinka, Azov puzanok, Baltic herring, Sardines, Sardinella, Sardi-nops (Ivasi); sprat: Caspian, Baltic (sprats), Black Sea, Tyulka.

Anchovy familyhas a cigar-shaped body, similar in size to small herring. This family includes the Khamsa of the Azov-Black Sea, Anchovy.

Sturgeon familyhas an elongated fusiform body, with five rows of bony formations - scutes: two abdominal, two thoracic, one dorsal. The snout is elongated, fromfour antennae. One dorsal fin, unequal-lobed caudal fin. Commercial value are: beluga, kaluga, sturgeon, thorn, stellate sturgeon, sterlet. Soviet scientists, by crossing beluga and sterlet, obtained a bester, which is bred in water bodies.

Carp familyhas a high, laterally compressed body, covered with densely sitting scales, sometimes naked. The dorsal fin is single, soft, the lateral line is well defined, the pharyngeal teeth. This family includes fish of inland waters: carp, carp, crucian carp, roach, roach, roach, ram, bream, white-eye, blue bream, barbel, silver carp, grass carp, buffalo, vimbets, shemaya.

Salmon familyhas a high body, laterally compressed, covered with small scales. There are two dorsal fins, the second is adipose. The lateral line is well defined. Chum salmon, pink salmon, salmon, chinook salmon, Caspian salmon, salmon, trout, whitefish, vendace, muksun, omul are of commercial importance.

Family smelthas an elongated body, with easily falling scales, an incomplete lateral line. There are two dorsal fins, the second is adipose. Main types: European smelt, smelt, capelin.

Perch familyhas two dorsal fins, the first is spiny, in the anal fin there are three spiny rays, the lateral line is straight, on the sides there are transverse stripes. Common species: perch, pike perch, ruff.

Horse mackerel familyhas a flattened body shape. The lateral line has a sharp bend in the middle, in some species it is covered with bony spines. There are two dorsal fins, the first is spiny, the second is soft, long. There are two spines in front of the anal fin. The caudal peduncle is thin. The Azov-Black Sea mackerel, oceanic mackerel, caranx, seriola, pompano, lichiya, vomer are of commercial importance.

Cod familysubdivided into subfamilies of cod-like and burbot-like. The former have three dorsal and two anal fins, the latter two dorsal and one anal. These are marine fish, with the exception of burbot. They have a well-defined lateral line. The pelvic fins are located under the pectorals or in front; many have an antennae on the chin.

The body shape is close to torpedo. Cod, haddock, navaga, pollock, pollock, blue whiting, burbot, Arctic cod are of commercial importance.

Mackerel familyhas an elongated fusiform body, a current caudal peduncle. There are two dorsal fins; behind the second dorsal and anal fins there are four to seven additional fins. Black Sea mackerel, common, Japanese mackerel are of commercial importance. Mackerels are sold under the names Azovo-Black Sea Mackerel, Far Eastern Mackerel, Kuril Mackerel, Atlantic Mackerel.

In terms of body shape and location of fins, tuna, bonito, mackerel are similar to mackerel, the latter have one dorsal fin and additional fins.

Flounder familyhas a flat body, flattened from back to abdomen, eyes are located on one side of the head. Dorsal and anal fins along the entire length of the body. Black halibuts, common, arrowtooth halibuts are of commercial importance; flounder sharp-headed and river.

Of the fish of other families, the following are of commercial importance.

Sea bassgolden, beaked, pacific from the scorpion family have a large head, an oblong, laterally compressed body, often red in color, one dorsal fin, often prickly in the front.

Catfishstriped and spotted from the catfish family

have one long soft dorsal fin, a round large head, the body is compressed laterally in the back.

Terpuginorthern, southern, toothed have a spindle-shaped body, one spiny dorsal fin, strongly developed anal AND pectoral fins.

Ice fishfrom the white-blooded family has a large head with an elongated snout, two lateral lines, the color is light green, the blood is colorless, since it contains copper instead of iron.

Butterfish and oily small fishfrom the family of stroma-thiaceae have a flattened high body, one soft long dorsal fin of the same size and shape as the anal one, the lateral line repeats the bend of the ridge.

Notothenia marble and green, squama, toothfish from the Notothenia family have a large head, two spiny dorsal fins, a long anal, large pectoral fins, the body is thickened in front.

Croaker, captain, umbrina- fishes from the family of humpbacks, have a high body, a back humped in front, one dorsal fin, separated by a deep notch, the front part is prickly, the lateral line is well expressed.

Macrousesfrom the family of macrourids have an elongated, tapering body in the tail in the form of a thread. There are two dorsal fins.

Fish species such as catfish, pike, lamprey, eel, gobies, Argentina, mullet, eelpout, pristipoma, bluefish from families with similar names, sea bream from the Brahm family are also caught; merrow, rock perch - from the serran family.