Crossopterygii: Lobe-Finned Fish Overview
Crossopterygii: Lobe-Finned Fish Overview
Teleosts, belonging to the subclass Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes), are the Crossopterygii is a subclass of Sarcopterygii, or lobe-finned fishes, characterized by
most diverse group of vertebrates, comprising about 96% of all living fish fleshy, lobed fins with a bony structure. This group includes both extinct and extant
species. Their origin and evolution reflect key innovations that allowed them to species and is significant in understanding vertebrate evolution, as they are closely
dominate aquatic habitat related to the ancestors of tetrapods (land vertebrates).
First Teleost Fossil: Western Indian Ocean: Around the Comoros Islands, Madagascar, and the East
Fossil genera like Leptolepis from the Jurassic period exhibit early teleost African coast.
features such as lighter skeletons and flexible jaws.
Indonesia: Near Sulawesi.
2. Evolutionary Innovations in Teleosts
2. Structure ;Crossopterygians exhibit several unique structural features that
The success of teleosts is linked to several key adaptations: distinguish them from other fishes and highlight their evolutionary significance:
A. Skeletal Modifications
A. External Features
Lightweight Skeleton: A lighter, more ossified skeleton improves swimming
efficiency.
Lobed Fins:Fins are fleshy and muscular, supported by a series of bones resembling
the limb structure of tetrapods.
Flexible Vertebral Column: Allows greater flexibility and maneuverability.
Scales:Cosmoid scales with multiple layers, providing protection and flexibility.
B. Jaw and Feeding Mechanisms
B. Internal Features
Protrusible Jaws: Enables precise prey capture by extending the mouth
forward. Pharyngeal Jaws: Secondary jaws in the throat enhance food
Skeleton: Well-developed bony skeleton with a notochord extending through the
processing.
vertebral column.
Crossopterygians share affinities with both fish and tetrapods, showcasing transitional
Lateral Line Canal: A visible groove or canal that runs along the sides of the
fish’s body and head. This canal is lined with specialized sensory cells called
Mechanism:
characteristics:
3. Major Phases of Teleost Evolution Some fish produce sounds by rubbing body parts together, a process
neuromasts. known as stridulation. This is similar to how a cricket makes a sound by
A. Affinities with Tetrapods
rubbing its wings together.
Teleost evolution is marked by four key radiations:
Neuromasts: Structures Involved:
These are the sensory organs responsible for detecting changes in water LimboHomology:
Teeth and Jaw Structures: In some species, such as catfish,
movement.
First They(Triassic-Jurassic)
Radiation consist of hair cells (sensory cells) embedded in a gel-like o theTheteeth
bones oninthe upper
their finsand lower jaws
(humerus, are ulna)
radius, rubbedaretogether to
homologous
substance that responds to water movement. When water pressure or flow produce a sound.
to the limb bones of tetrapods.
changes, the gel moves, causing the hair cells to bend and generate nerve
Early teleosts like Leptolepis appeared, characterized by simplified
impulses. LungoEvolution: Pharyngeal Teeth: Some species use pharyngeal teeth (teeth
scales and ossified skeletons. o located in the throat)
Their respiratory to produce
structures sounds by
are believed to grinding theminto
have evolved
together.
lungs in tetrapods.
Initial adaptations for efficient swimming evolved during this period. o Spines and Fins: Certain fish rub spines on their pectoral fins
There are two types of neuromasts:
Labyrinthine Teeth:
against bony structures to produce sound. For example,
o triggerfish
Similar dentalcanstructure
produce links them
clicking to early
noises amphibians.
by snapping their
Second Radiation (Jurassic)
Canal neuromasts: Located in the lateral line canals. spines into a groove on the side of their body.
Examples
B. Affinities with Other Sarcopterygians
of Fish:
Diversification
Superficial neuromasts: Found on themarine
into shallow skin, typically around the
and freshwater head, fins, and
environments. o Catfish: Some species can produce grating or grinding sounds
body surface.
Fossils such as Pholidophorus show more advanced jaw structures. using their teeth.
Crossopterygii
o shares features with lungfishes (Dipnoi), such as a lobed
Triggerfish: Known for producing distinctive clicking or
fin structure and cosmoid scales. However, their skeletal and cranial
Hair Cells: popping sounds by rubbing their spines.
Third Radiation (Cretaceous) anatomy is more advanced.
These are the sensory cells within neuromasts that detect vibrations. Hair cells
have hair-like projections (cilia) that bend in response to water displacement.
2. Vibration of Swim Bladder (Swim Bladder as a Resonator)
Explosion
This bending triggers of
anmodern
electrical signallineages.
teleost that is sent to the brain. C. Differences from Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fishes)
Pituitary Gland in Fish Role of Physio-Chemical and Biological Factors in Aquaculture
The pituitary gland is one of the most important endocrine glands in fish, as it Aquaculture success depends heavily on the careful management of physio-chemical
plays a central role in regulating numerous physiological processes, including and biological factors in the aquatic environment. These factors directly influence the
growth, reproduction, osmoregulation, and metabolism. It is often referred to as health, growth, reproduction, and survival of cultured organisms.
the "master gland" because it produces and releases a variety of hormones that
control the function of other endocrine glands.
Physio-Chemical Factors
The pituitary gland in fish is located just beneath the brain, often in a bony or
cartilaginous structure known as the sella turcica or hypophyseal cavity. It is 1. Temperature
connected to the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls its function
through releasing and inhibiting hormones. Role:
oAffects metabolic rates, growth, and reproduction.
Structure of the Pituitary Gland in Fish oInfluences dissolved oxygen levels (higher temperatures
reduce oxygen solubility).
The pituitary gland in fish is composed of two main parts: Optimal Ranges:
o Warm-water species (e.g., tilapia): 25–30°C.
1. Anterior Pituitary (Adenohypophysis)
o Cold-water species (e.g., trout): 10–20°C.
2. Posterior Pituitary (Neurohypophysis)
2. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
1. Anterior Pituitary (Adenohypophysis)
Role:
The anterior pituitary is responsible for the secretion of many important oEssential for respiration and survival.
hormones that control growth, reproduction, and metabolic processes. These oInsufficient DO can cause stress, reduced feeding, and
hormones are usually released into the bloodstream after being stimulated by mortality.
releasing hormones from the hypothalamus. Optimal Levels:
o Above 5 mg/L for most species.
Key hormones produced by the anterior pituitary include: o Below 3 mg/L can be lethal.
Integrated fish farming (IFF) is a sustainable aquaculture practice that Riverine fisheries resources in India refer to the fish and other aquatic species
integrates fish farming with agriculture, livestock, and other enterprises to that are found in the country's vast network of rivers, streams, and tributaries.
maximize resource use, minimize waste, and increase overall productivity. It India is home to several major river systems, including the Ganga, Brahmaputra,
relies on synergistic relationships between different farming components to Yamuna, Godavari, and others, which provide rich fisheries resources. These
create a closed-loop system where waste from one activity serves as input for resources play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people,
another. contributing to food security, and sustaining biodiversity.
Key Features of Integrated Fish Farming Major River Systems in India Contributing to Riverine Fisheries
"Skylark" is a poem by water security - conservation of surface and ground water wildlife and causes of extinction
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Pen and cage culture are methods of aquaculture where fish or other aquatic Intrinsic diseases in fish are diseases that arise due to genetic, metabolic, or
organisms are raised in confined enclosures within natural water bodies like lakes, developmental factors within the fish itself, rather than external causes like
rivers, reservoirs, or seas. These systems allow better control over the culture pathogens or environmental factors. These diseases are often hereditary, related
environment while utilizing natural resources. to metabolic dysfunction, or occur due to abnormalities in growth and
development. While these diseases are less common than infectious or nutritional
diseases, they can still have significant impacts on the health of fish, especially in
aquaculture settings where selective breeding practices are common.
Pen Culture
Definition:
Types of Intrinsic Diseases in Fish
Pen culture involves the construction of fixed or semi-fixed enclosures in shallow
areas of natural water bodies. The pen has a net or mesh wall, but the bottom is 1. Genetic Disorders
open to the substrate of the water body.
Genetic disorders in fish occur due to mutations or abnormalities in the fish’s
DNA, which may be inherited from one or both parents. These disorders can lead
to defects in physical characteristics, behavior, or internal organs.
Structure and Design:
Examples:
Materials: Bamboo poles, synthetic mesh, nylon netting, or HDPE
netting. o Skeletal Deformities: These include deformities such as
scoliosis (curved spine), lordosis (curved back), and kyphosis
Shape: Typically rectangular but may vary. (humpback) in species like salmon and trout. These
conditions often arise due to inbreeding or genetic
Size: Varies based on the site, species, and purpose (e.g., nursery or mutations.
grow-out).
o Albinoism: A lack of pigmentation due to a genetic
Anchoring: Poles are driven into the substrate to hold the structure in mutation. This condition may lead to an increased
place. susceptibility to predation and poor survival rates in wild
environments.
2. Low Cost: Comparatively inexpensive as it uses local materials and the o genetically
Genetic mutations or inbreeding depression, where limited
Cryopreservation is the process of freezing and storing biological materials, such Transgenic fish are modified organisms (GMOs) that have had foreign
natural substrate. genetic variation
as gametes (sperm and eggs), at ultra-low temperatures (-196°C, typically in liquid genes (transgenes) introduced into theirleads to thetoexpression
genomes of deleterious
confer desirable traits. This
nitrogen) to preserve their viability for long periods. In fish, cryopreservation traits. has significant applications in aquaculture,
biotechnological advancement
3. Ease of Maintenance: Less need for artificial water quality control.
primarily focuses on sperm (milt), as the structure and size of fish eggs make them research, and environmental management.
more 4.
challenging to Uses:
Multiple freezeSuitable
effectively.
for nursery, grow-out, or broodstock holding.
Prevention:
Inland fishing refers to the fishing activities conducted in freshwater bodies, such Fish byproducts are secondary products derived from the processing of fish. These
as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. The types of fishing crafts (boats) and gears byproducts, which include parts of the fish that are not consumed directly (such as
(fishing implements) used for inland fishing are diverse and vary depending on the bones, heads, scales, and internal organs), are often considered waste. However,
specific habitat, the target species, and the fishing method employed. The many of these byproducts can be utilized in various industries, offering economic
selection of crafts and gears is influenced by factors such as the size of the water value and reducing waste. Fish byproducts are highly valuable for their nutritional
body, the nature of the aquatic ecosystem, and the local fishing traditions. content, and they find applications in animal feed, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals,
cosmetics, and more.
The principles of inland fishing crafts and gears are based on optimizing efficiency,
sustainability, and safety in catching fish. The following factors are central to the 1. Fish Oil
design and use of fishing crafts and gears:
Fish oil is one of the most commercially valuable byproducts. It is extracted from
1. Efficiency: the flesh, liver, and bones of fish, especially fatty fish like mackerel, sardines, and
anchovies.
o Fishing crafts should be designed to support specific fishing
operations, such as netting, trapping, or angling, in a way Uses:
that maximizes catch rates while minimizing time and effort.
Animal Feed: Fish oil is often included in animal and poultry feed to
o Fishing gears are designed for particular types of fish and provide essential omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).
fishing methods, such as gill nets for capture and traps for
specific species. Nutritional Supplements: Used in dietary supplements for humans due
to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart
2. Sustainability: health, brain function, and inflammation reduction.
Uses:
Different freshwater ecosystems (rivers, lakes, ponds) require different
approaches to fishing. The design of crafts and gears must be suitable for the Animal Feed: Fish meal is a key ingredient in the feed of livestock,
specific habitat in which they are used poultry, pets, and aquaculture species. It is rich in proteins and
essential amino acids, making it highly nutritious.
Fertilizer: Fish meal is also used as an organic fertilizer due to its high
nitrogen content, which is beneficial for plant growth.
Pet Food: Some pet foods, especially those formulated for cats and
dogs, include fish meal as a primary source of protein.
Fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) are produced by breaking down fish proteins into
smaller peptides and amino acids through enzymatic or acid hydrolysis.
Uses: