Three spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) can be found in both marine and freshwater environments. This widespread species is found in the New World from Alaska south to Baja Calfiornia and from Hudson Bay south to Chesapeake Bay and even further inland to Lake Ontario. This fish is also found in Europe, Greenland, and the Pacific Coast of Asia. It can grow to about four inches in length.

Sticklebacks (Family Gasterosteidae) are found in the northern hemisphere with most species found in the New World. There are about 10 species in the family. Most species are less than 3 inches in length. These fish have thorn like spines ahead of the dorsal fin. The dorsal and anal fins are set far back on the body. These fish are known for their nest building ability.

The Gasterosteiformes order contains several very diverse families. The Gastererosteidae (sticklebacks) of small freshwater fish belong here. The long billed Aulostomidae (trumpet fish) are found in coral reefs in warm and tropical oceans. The long beaked Fistulariidae (cornetfishes) are found in coral reefs in warm and tropical oceans. The flat bodied Centriscidae (shrimpfish and snipefish) are also found in warm and tropical oceans. The Sygnathidae (pipe fishes and seahroses) are found primarily in coral reefs around the world with a few freshwater species.

Bony fish, Class Teleostomi, are a class of chordates that include the majority of fish-like animals found on earth. They are characterized by a bony jaw and a bony skeleton. They are found in both fresh and marine waters.

Backboned Animals (Phylum Chordata) are the most advanced group of animals on earth. These animals are characterized by having a spinal cord or backbone. Most members have a clearly defined brain that controls the organism through a spinal cord. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are in this phylum.

Currently, some taxonomists believe that the fish should be divided into two groups (sharks and regular fishes) and that there are some other primitive groups in the phylum such as hagfish or lampreys.

Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

NEW SEARCH