Curiosities About Fish
Fish are vertebrate aquatic vertebrates found in different natural habitats around the world, ranging from oceans to freshwater ponds. Their ecological role is vital for biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems. As an important part of the food chain, fish serve both as a food source for other marine species and as a stabilizer of aquatic ecosystems. Fish are classified into five main groups. The most common are the bony fishes, and this group includes colorful and diverse species that are of interest to aquarium enthusiasts.
Fish Species
Fish are divided into various categories according to their physical structure, feeding habits and habitat. Here are some of the most common fish species and their main characteristics:
1. Bony Fish (Osteichthyes)
Bony fish are the largest group of fish and their skeletons are made of bone. This group includes popular aquarium fish such as clownfish, angelfish and betta fish. Bony fish are often preferred for the aquarium hobby with their different colors and patterns. Their diet is usually herbivorous, carnivorous or omnivorous.
2. Cartilaginous Fish (Chondrichthyes)
This group includes species such as sharks, rays and sawfish. Their skeleton is made of cartilage, which gives them flexibility. Sharks are the apex predators of the marine ecosystem and their different species play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Stingrays are characterized by their graceful movements and large wing-like fins.
3. Jawless Fish (Agnatha)
Fish in this group are quite different from other species and have a more primitive structure than modern fish. Lampreys and altarfish are the best known species in this group. Jawless fish have a unique feeding strategy in underwater ecosystems with their sucking mouth structures.
4. Freshwater Fish
Freshwater fish live in freshwater ecosystems such as lakes, rivers and streams. Koi fish, freshwater perch, tilapia and cichlid fish are examples of freshwater fish. Freshwater fish are also commonly kept in the aquarium hobby and are known for their ability to adapt to different water conditions.
5. Sea Fish
Marine fish are fish that live in saltwater ecosystems and have a wide range of species. Lionfishspecies such as moray eels, moray eels, tuna and turbot fall into this category. Marine fish generally require large swimming areas and high salt content. Lionfish, in particular, are known for their graceful build and venomous spines.
Surprising Facts About Fish Species
As diverse and fascinating creatures of the underwater world, fish have many interesting and surprising characteristics. Here are the most remarkable facts about fish:
1. The Most Common Fish Species in the World
- Ray-finned Fishes (Actinopterygii): This group is one of the most widespread fish species worldwide. There are billions of species of ray-finned fish living in oceans, seas, rivers and lakes. Anchovies, sardines and herring are among the species with the largest populations.
2. The Strongest Fish
- Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus): Known as one of the strongest fish in the world. It’s known for its fast swimming ability, strong muscles and ability to travel long distances in the oceans. It can also easily catch large prey and is admired for its hunting skills.
3. The Scariest Fish
- Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias): One of the oceans’ most fearsome predators. Its sharp teeth, large size and powerful jaws make it one of the most dangerous predators in the sea. The great white shark is famous for the strength of its jaws as it tears apart its prey, giving it a reputation for being feared.
- Stonefish (Synanceia): One of the most venomous fish in the world, perfectly camouflaged in coral reefs by its appearance. When stepped on, it injects its deadly venom, which makes it very dangerous.
4. Fastest Fish
- Sailfish (Istiophorus): Known for its swimming speed of up to 110 km/h. This makes it the fastest fish in the oceans. Its long body and sail-like dorsal fin allow it to move quickly through the water.
5. The Biggest Fish
- Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus): It is the largest fish in the world and can reach up to 18 meters in length. Despite its enormous size, it is a very peaceful species that feeds on plankton. It filters its food by moving slowly in the depths of the oceans.
6. The Smallest Fish
- Paedocypris: This fish lives in the swamps of Southeast Asia and is considered the smallest fish in the world, measuring just 7.9 mm in length. Its small size allows it to hide comfortably among dense vegetation.
7. Electricity Producing Fish
- Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus): This fish, which lives in the Amazon River, can generate up to 600 volts of electricity. It shocks and stuns its prey and uses this ability for hunting or defense.
8. The Longest Lasting Fish
- Red Rockfish (Sebastes aleutianus): Living for more than 200 years, this is one of the longest-lived fish species in the world. It lives in North Pacific waters and its longevity is attributed to its low metabolic rate.
9. The Best Camouflage
- Fish such as Seahorses (Hippocampus) and Stonefish (Synanceia) are perfectly adapted to their environment. The stonefish, in particular, completely integrates into its environment, protecting itself from predators and ambushing its prey.
Fish Varieties at Emaar Aquarium
Located in Istanbul, Emaar Aquarium offers its visitors the richness of the world’s seas and freshwater habitats together. Here you can observe both marine and freshwater fish. By exhibiting underwater life in thematic areas, the aquarium attracts and informs visitors of all ages. The prominent fish species found at Emaar Aquarium are as follows:
Lionfish (Pterois): With their graceful spiny structures and vibrant colors, lionfish are dangerous yet fascinating to look at. While observing them in the aquarium, you can discover both their aesthetic and biological characteristics.
Arowana fish (Osteoglossidae): The Arowana fish is an exotic species with a long slender body and shiny scales that inhabits the fresh waters of South America, Africa and Asia.
Sharks: The sharks at Emaar Aquarium offer the opportunity to closely observe the powerful predators of the underwater world. Different shark species fascinate visitors with their natural behavior.
Stingrays Stingrays, which display an elegant appearance with their wide and flat bodies, give the audience unforgettable moments while swimming in the aquarium’s large tanks. Stingray species you can see at Emaar Aquarium; Cow Nosed Stingray, Eagle Head Stingray, Polka Dotted Stingray.
Dog-faced Pufferfish (Diodon holocanthus): The dog-faced pufferfish is a marine creature known for its cute facial expression and interesting defense mechanism. It gets its name because of its prominent mouth and cute facial expression. It usually lives in tropical and subtropical waters, coral reefs and rocky areas.
The Experience of Emaar Aquarium
Emaar Aquarium offers a rich experience where fish are exhibited in areas designed in accordance with their natural habitats and visitors can closely observe the underwater ecosystem. The aquarium’s thematic areas allow visitors to learn about each fish species and observe the behavior of these creatures in their natural habitat. Educational programs and informative panels raise awareness of the underwater world and offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
