The smalltooth sawfish Pristis pectinata (Latham 1794) species are a large batoid elasmobranch that prefers very specific habitats (Simpfendorfer et al., 2010). They are also a K-selected species, which means that the smalltooth have a late maturity, a small pup size and a slow growth rate (Seitz & Poulakis, 2006). The smalltooth sawfish species can be identified from the undefined or undeveloped lower caudal fin (Gómez-Rodríguez et al., 2014). Another identifier is the first dorsal fin is in line with the beginning of the pelvic fin (Gómez-Rodríguez et al., 2014). Unlike the other sawfish, the P. pectinata have about 20 to 34 rostral teeth on the saw, which is more than most species (Gómez-Rodríguez et al., 2014). The P. pectinata’s habitat …show more content…
In the southeast coastal zones the urban development is about 4 times the average development around the nation (NMFS, 2009). The main locations that companies want to build on are wetlands (SAFMC, 1998). Construction does not only fill in the wetlands but it also is a source of toxins in the environment, causes eutrophication and modifies the water quality parameters (NMFS, 2009). With urbanization, seawalls and canal were constructed to protect the new buildings (SAFMC, 1998). The seawalls and canal construction mostly replace mangrove shorelines and shallow estuarine waters, which is the exact habitat specifications of the smalltooth sawfish (NMFS, 2009). One example of urbanization is the Indian River Lagoon in Florida (Gilmore, 1995). The species population in the Indian River Lagoon used to be abundant but now after all the construction in the area, the sawfish populations have disappeared (Gilmore, 1995). By taking away the critical habitats of the smalltooth sawfish, the populations dramatically declined to a point of almost going …show more content…
pecinata has been profitable for any seller in it (NMFS, 2009). Almost every part of the smalltooth sawfish can be sold to make money. The fins are sold for shark fin soup in Asia (NOAA, 2010). Apparently sawfish fins have more flavor than most shark fins, so there is a high demand for their fins (NOAA, 2010). The whole rostra are sold as a ceremonial weapon in Asia (NOAA, 2010). The rostra have a very high demand but no supply since the populations are gone, so it sells for several thousands of dollars (NOAA, 2010). The rostral teeth sell to Peru to be attached to the legs of roosters for cock fighting (NOAA, 2010). The meat and organs are used for the oils and lipids and the skin is sold to make leather (NOAA, 2010). Any fisherman selling parts of the smalltooth sawfish can make a good deal of money. Even though it is illegal to sell parts of the sawfish, it is still done today. The fins of the sawfish look almost identical to shark fins, so fisherman can get by selling them as shark fins (Feldheim et al., 2010). With destruction of the smalltooth sawfish specific habitat and overfished, their population has a long way to go to
Devilfish. This purple, seven-armed octopoid monstrosity is the size of a horse, with hook-lined tentacles and cold, blue eyes. Devilfish CR 4. XP 1,200.
More than 24 billion gallons of untreated sewage waste and storm water are pumped into the lakes annually. Pollution is increasing as well, due to the cottage development, where people enjoy spending their summers relaxing. For many years, the lake habitats have been affected by pollution and habitat destruction. The market for fish is tremendous; so much so, that we have depleted our fishing resources, and have had to market on invasive species.
Most people would not appreciate a stranger walking into their home unannounced, taking their food, and making themselves at home. That is exactly what lionfish are doing along the Florida coastline. Lionfish are an invasive species that need to be contained. The reefs that they consistently invade off of the coast of the Florida are not the lionfish's natural habitat. This invasive species takes shelter and resources out of the reef that other species need to survive, and they destroy the environment around them. Humans have complicated the balance of the ecosystem by introducing lionfish, and now they need to help rectify the situation.
An entire new world, different from our own exists beneath the surface of our oceans. This life is full of color, shapes, sizes, wonder, and even darkness. Much of this life has yet to be explored but we still know that beneath the waves exist the most beautiful creatures and the most bizarre. Magical areas such as the coral reef and mysterious areas such as the depths of the ocean are homes to over 700,000 species that live in the ocean. This includes the eighty percent of the ocean that has yet to be explored. Even though there may be separate oceans on this planet, they are still interconnected by a body of salt water. No area of the ocean is the same, which brings us to the wonderful fact that so many different species are able to flourish
Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniasculus) is an invasive species in UK and European freshwaters which originate from North America and was introduced in Europe in the 1960s. Due its large size body and aggressive nature has threatened the native species, white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes). Aggressive behaviour is bolder in signal crayfish species, which is directed also against conspecifics not only against other species (Pintor, Sih and Bauer 2008). Signal crayfish is widespread across the British Islands; predominantly inhabiting south-west part where for the first time was introduced. The motility of signal crayfish depends of temperature, and is higher during the summer period (Bubb, Thom and Lucas, 2004). Signal crayfish
The alligator, even more than the alligator gar, represents the ultimate of “big game” bowfishing within the confines of the United States. These large, sinister-looking reptiles look exactly like what they are – the ancient, unchanged survivors of a world millions of years dead, still gliding through the muddy waters of the American South after countless other species have perished. Quick-moving when necessary, dangerously aggressive on occasion – especially when provoked – heavily armored with thick, knobby scales, and instantly recognizable, alligators are rapidly becoming a favorite target of sport bowfishermen, who appreciate their unique challenge.
Mayden (1993) used E. zonatum for comparisons in describing the new species E. alabamae. Comparing Cypress Creek to sampled E. zonatum populations in the 1993 Mayden paper show that males in Cypress Creek fell into accepted ranges for known populations but looking at the means for body measurements on average males from Cypress Creek were smaller than those measured by Mayden. Female measurements from Cypress Creek paralleled those seen in Mayden’s comparison. However, females from Bayou de Chien were larger on average than females sampled by Mayden while males were similar in measurements. Walsh and Burr (1984) noted that the maximum length of E. zonatum is usually reported as 32-38mm but lacks definition as to whether those numbers refer to standard or total length. Some variation in size for such a wide-ranging species can be caused by more southern individuals growing larger due to earlier spawning periods and longer growing seasons (Walsh and Burr, 1984). Overall, it appears that individuals found above the fall line in Cypress Creek are of similar measurements to other sampled populations of E. zonatum.
With The Gulf of Mexico being the ninth largest body of water in the world, it is obvious that there may be a few environmental problems. The estuaries of The Gulf of Mexico are being destroyed and there is no one to point fingers at except ourselves. Estuaries provide humans with many uses and benefits such as a water supply, trading ports, agricultural support, sport and commercial fisheries, and even recreational uses for swimming or jet skiing. People from all over the world come to our city of Pensacola just to enjoy our beautiful gulf that we take for granted and treat horribly. Tourism in the gulf generates around $20 billion per year, while the waters yield about 1.51 billion pounds of fish and shellfish in 1996. In 1996, the Gulf of Mexico also contributed 57% of the entire oyster production in the United States.
to be honest ,angelfish are unusual looking fish that has a thin body angelfish also eat plants ,animals on or above the reefs they are known for their colors an empior angelfish various their stripes that run front to back on a purple or black background.
Clownfish have interesting mating behaviors. For instance, they are hermaphrodites meaning they have both female and male genitalia. There is strict dominance hierarchy in a group of clownfish. Two clownfish, with the female being the biggest, reproduce through external fertilization. However, if the female was to die, the male would become the high female and the next largest male would become the highest male and reproduce with the clownfish who became female. Throughout this monogamous relationship, they can mate all year long. A female clownfish can lay 600-1600 eggs. While breeding, the male cleans debris and creates a nesting area with his mouth.
In the past few years there has been a rise in the sea level surrounding the state. According to a new study by Lead author ,Benjamin Strauss, “Miami and Hollywood are two of the dozens of coastal cities in the U.S. predicted to be washed away by rising sea levels this century.” This means that half of the immensely populated cities in South Florida such as: Miami, Hollywood, and many more will be feet under water. This will cause hundreds of thousands of residents to migrate else where to find new areas and homes to accommodate their needs. It has even been mentioned that other places such as New Orleans are too late to save. The only logical causes behind these discoveries would be the pending disasters of climate change. The rising temperatures from the atmosphere are melting down the massive chunks of ice in Antarctica causing world wide flooding. Major continents such as Asia will suffer massive losses of land as well as population wise. From what we know deforestation is not the leading probable cause of this. As stated before the plankton in our oceans are being lost at a much more alarming rate than any land plant specie. When humanly causes such as dead zones occur from excessive sewage pollution along with other factors that prohibit the required amount of oxygen to be produced to support most marine life in bottom of the ocean, the effects are
The Impact Lionfish is quite dangerous because they damage marine aquatic ecosystems by decimating life on reefs. The way lionfish causes the damage is by eating small fish who keep the reefs healthy. Lionfishes can live a while without eating. While being 3 months or longer that they don’t really have to eat. Which can help them live while unlike the food they eat can’t survive that long without eating.
How have urbanization processes impacted the geomorphology of the D’Olive Creek Watershed? This project will explore the known environmental impacts of the urbanization process and compare this to the impacts of urbanization in the D’Olive Creek Watershed, with specific emphasis on the temporal geomorphology of the area. The D’Olive Creek Watershed is located in Baldwin County, Alabama and is part of Mobile Bay, which is classified as one of the largest and most ecologically significant estuaries in the United States – it is also a member of the National Estuary Program (Stout et al. 1998, p. xv). There are many anthropogenic factors associated with urban development that could detrimentally impact the local environment: impervious surfaces,
I was raised around many different types of animals so I have had many different types of pets. This developed into a love of all things aquarium related at about the age of ten and I asked if I could get a beta fish. My father asked if I knew how to properly care for one and I did not. He informed me whenever I could prove how to do so then I he would allow me to have one. I spent about a month learning everything I could and saved up enough money to purchase everything I needed. I knew quite a bit of information about betas and even obtained the knowledge to maintain an aquarium. My father was so impressed that he bought me a small fish tank rather than spending my own money on a fish bowl. This hobby has continued my entire life and I am
By the early 1900s there were scattered houses and farms. From the 1940-1970s rapid urban development led to high runoff and siltation - the lagoon declined in depth, water quality, seagrasses, fish life and water-sports. Several major storms and floods also occurred. Allowing urban development to replace the bushland surrounding the lagoon causes erosion in catchment zones by replacing the bushland with hard surfaces.