Bony Fish | Osteichthyes

Bony Fish | Osteichthyes

Description
Description

Bony fish, or Osteichthyes, are a diverse group of fish distinguished by their bony skeletons. They represent the majority of fish species, populating both freshwater and marine environments. Originating over 400 million years ago, bony fish have evolved into a multitude of forms, adapting to various aquatic habitats globally. They exhibit a wide range of respiratory systems, reproductive strategies, and dietary habits. From vibrant coral reefs to the murky depths of rivers, bony fish play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of aquatic ecosystems. Their evolutionary journey reflects a remarkable adaptability and resilience within the animal kingdom.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Bony fish, unlike their cartilaginous counterparts, possess a skeleton made of bone. They have a streamlined body that aids in swimming. Most have scales covering their bodies, a swim bladder for buoyancy, and gills for breathing. Their fins, which come in various shapes and sizes, help with movement, balance, and steering. Many bony fish also have a lateral line, a sensory organ that detects water movements, allowing them to sense nearby objects or other fish. Colorful and diverse, these fish vary greatly in appearance, but share these common anatomical features.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans and bony fish share a long, multifaceted relationship. For millennia, fish have been a crucial food source, vital to the diet and economy of countless cultures. Angling for fish is both a widespread hobby and a professional sport, celebrated in stories and films. Bony fish, with their diverse beauty, also star in aquariums worldwide, fostering appreciation and education.

Sadly, many species face threats from overfishing and habitat destruction. In response, conservation efforts, like sustainable fishing practices and marine protected areas, are gaining momentum. Through science and stewardship, we strive to preserve the delicate balance between humans and these aquatic vertebrates.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What is the largest bony fish?

The largest bony fish is a female Mola alexandrine that was caught on the Japanese coast of Kamogwa, Chiba in 1996. The fish has a total weight of 2,300 kilograms and a height of 2.72 meters. It is currently the heaviest bony fish ever recorded in history.

When did bony fish first appear?

Bony fish first appeared between 530 to 410 million years ago during the Cambrian explosion. The first bony fish did not have jaws and had a primitive spinal column. It is believed that the first bony fish appeared along with the placoderms, who were the first jawed fish that evolved from their gill arches.

How do Osteichthyes reproduce?

Osteichthyes mostly reproduce through the sperm and eggs that are developed by male and female Osteichthyes. Some Osteichthyes are hermaphrodites and can produce both sperm and eggs. Male and female Osteichthyes may at times look similar or different due to their size, color, head characteristics, and overall body shape.

7”-9” | 17.8-22.9 cm
5’-6.5’ | 1.5-2 m
50-125 lb | 22.7-56.7 kg
20-50 years
Alligator Gar
22.900
200.000
56.700
50.00
72000
GUIDE
3D
Alligator Gar
.9”-1.5” | 2.4-3.8 cm
3.1”-5.1” | 8-13 cm
8-10 years
Amazon Puffer
3.800
13.000
10.00
3250
GUIDE
3D
Amazon Puffer
1.2”-2.4” | 3-6 cm
20”-40” | 51-102 cm
13-17 lb | 6-7.7 kg
15-40 years
American Eel
6.000
102.000
7.700
40.00
10000
GUIDE
3D
American Eel
8.5”-11.5” | 21.6-29.2 cm
5’-7’ | 1.52-2.13 m
60-200 lb | 27-91 kg
20-30 years
American Paddlefish
29.200
213.000
91.000
30.00
21000
GUIDE
3D
American Paddlefish
5”-6.75” | 12.7-17.1 cm
19”-24” | 48-61 cm
3-8 lb | 1.4-3.6 kg
6-10 years
American Shad
17.100
61.000
3.600
10.00
4500
GUIDE
3D
American Shad
1.2”-3.1” | 3-8 cm; 5.1” | 13 cm (Max)
6”-16” | 15-41 cm; 24” | 61 cm (Max)
.44-6 lb | .2-2.7 kg
3-6 years
Apache Trout
8.000
41.000
2.700
6.00
3460
GUIDE
3D
Apache Trout
2.5”-4” | 6.4-10.2 cm
12”-20” | 30.5-51 cm
2-4 lb | .9-1.8 kg
5-10 years
Arctic Grayling
10.200
51.000
1.800
10.00
3500
GUIDE
3D
Arctic Grayling
10”-23” | 25.4-58.4 cm
5.5’-14’ | 1.7-4.3 m
200-1800 lb | 90-816 kg
20-30 years
Atlantic Blue Marlin
58.400
430.000
816.000
30.00
1500
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Blue Marlin
24”-50” | 61-127 cm
7’-15’ | 2.1-4.6 m
550–2000 lb | 250-907 kg
15-30 years
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
127.000
460.000
907.000
30.00
4300
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
13”-20” | 33-50.8 cm
7.5’-11’ | 2.3-3.4 m
132-220 lb | 60-100 kg
10-15 years
Atlantic Sailfish
50.800
340.000
100.000
15.00
450
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Sailfish
6.5”-9” | 16.5-22.9 cm
28”-40” | 71-102 cm
8-12 lb | 3.6-5.4 kg
5-13 years
Atlantic Salmon
22.900
102.000
5.400
13.00
13000
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Salmon
10.2”-13.8” | 26-35 cm; 26” | 66 cm (Max)
6’-8’ | 1.83-2.44 m; 15’ | 4.57 m (Max)
198-794 lb | 90-360 kg
30-60 years
Atlantic Sturgeon
35.000
244.000
360.000
60.00
4340
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Sturgeon
12”-19” | 30.5-48 cm
5’-8’ | 152-244 cm
60-280 lb | 27-127 kg
30-55 years
Atlantic Tarpon
48.000
244.000
127.000
55.00
700
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Tarpon
8.3”-18.9” | 21-48 cm; 41” | 104 cm (Max)
4.7’-10.75’ | 1.42-3.28 m; 24’ | 7.32 m (Max)
573-3,307 lb | 260-1,500 kg
50-118 years
Beluga Sturgeon
48.000
328.000
1500.000
118.00
29800
GUIDE
3D
Beluga Sturgeon
1.4”-2” | 3.5-5 cm
9.1”-13.8” | 23-35 cm
3-6 years
Big-Belly Seahorse
5.000
35.000
6.00
1250
GUIDE
3D
Big-Belly Seahorse
1.5”-3.75” | 3.8-9.5 cm
4”-11” | 10-28 cm
3-4 lb | 1.4-1.8 kg
7-15 years
Black Crappie
9.500
28.000
1.800
15.00
6800
GUIDE
3D
Black Crappie
1.8”-3” | 4.5-7.5 cm
9”-14.6” | 23-37 cm
.4-.5 lb | .18-.2 kg
9-11 years
Bloater
7.500
37.000
0.200
11.00
3800
GUIDE
3D
Bloater
2.6”-3.9” | 6.5-10 cm
11”-16” | 28-41 cm
.5-.6 lb | .2-.3 kg
6-8 years
Blueback Herring
10.000
41.000
0.300
8.00
2240
GUIDE
3D
Blueback Herring
3”-6.5” | 7.6-16.5 cm
7”-16” | 18-41 cm
1-2.6 lb | .5-1.2 kg
5-10 years
Bluegill
16.500
41.000
1.200
10.00
33000
GUIDE
3D
Bluegill
3.5”-6.5” | 8.9-16.5 cm
16”-30” | 40-75 cm
7-20 lb | 3-9 kg
10-20 years
Bonefish
16.500
75.000
9.000
20.00
100
GUIDE
3D
Bonefish
2”-5.5” | 5-14 cm
10”-26” | 25-66 cm
.6-6.6 lb | .3-3 kg
5-15 years
Brook Trout
14.000
66.000
3.000
15.00
24000
GUIDE
3D
Brook Trout
5”-7” | 12.7-17.8 cm
24”-34” | 61-86 cm
3-9 lb | 1.4-4 kg
5-12 years
Bull Trout
17.800
86.000
4.000
12.00
5600
GUIDE
3D
Bull Trout
2”-4.5” | 5-11.4 cm
12”-24” | 30.5-61 cm
2-7 lb | .9-3.2 kg
15-25 years
Channel Catfish
11.400
61.000
3.200
25.00
19000
GUIDE
3D
Channel Catfish
5.5”-8.5” | 14-21.6 cm
24”-36” | 61-91 cm
30-40 lb | 13.6-18.1 kg
5-9 years
Chinook Salmon
21.600
91.000
18.100
9.00
17000
GUIDE
3D
Chinook Salmon
6”-10” | 15.2-25.4 cm
24”-40” | 61-102 cm
8-22 lb | 3.6-10 kg
3-7 years
Chum Salmon
25.400
102.000
10.000
7.00
6200
GUIDE
3D
Chum Salmon
4.5”-7.5” | 11.4-19 cm
18”-30” | 46-76 cm
8-35 lb | 3.6-16 kg
2-4 years
Coho Salmon
19.000
76.000
16.000
4.00
20000
GUIDE
3D
Coho Salmon
3.7”-5.9” | 9.5-15 cm; 11.4” | 29 cm (Max)
2’-3’ | 61-91 cm; 6’ | 183 cm (Max)
40-79 lb | 18-36 kg
40-50 years
Colorado Pikeminnow
15.000
91.000
36.000
50.00
1200
GUIDE
3D
Colorado Pikeminnow
3.5”-12.6” | 9-32 cm
10”-36” | 25.4-91.4 cm
11-22 lb | 5-10 kg
8-11 years
Common Hogfish
32.000
91.400
10.000
11.00
45080
GUIDE
3D
Common Hogfish
.4”-1” | 1-2.5 cm
2.75”-6.7” | 7-17 cm;
1-4 years
Common Seahorse
2.500
17.000
4.00
240800
GUIDE
3D
Common Seahorse
5.1”-5.9” | 13-15 cm
7”-8” | 18-20 cm
4-10 years
Copperband Butterflyfish
15.000
20.000
10.00
3700
GUIDE
3D
Copperband Butterflyfish
.2”-.3” | .5-.75 cm
.8”-1.2” | 2-3 cm
.14-.21 oz | 4-6 g
6-12 months
Devil’s Hole Pupfish
0.750
3.000
0.006
1.00
12700
GUIDE
3D
Devil’s Hole Pupfish
.1”-.2” | .3-.6 cm
1”-2” | 2.5-5.1 cm
1-2 years
Dwarf Seahorse
0.600
5.100
2.00
3900
GUIDE
3D
Dwarf Seahorse
3.1”-4.7” | 8-12 cm
60”-84” | 1.52-2.13 m
6.6-55 lb | 3-25 kg
15-20 years
European Conger
12.000
213.000
25.000
20.00
1150
GUIDE
3D
European Conger
1.6”-2.75” | 4-7 cm
24”-39” | 61-99 cm
3-8 lb | 1.4-3.6 kg
15-20 years
European Eel
7.000
99.000
3.600
20.00
9500
GUIDE
3D
European Eel
2.4”-3.1” | 6-8 cm
31”-37” | 79-94 cm
2.2-4.4 lb | 1-2 kg
10-30 years
Fimbriated Moray
8.000
94.000
2.000
30.00
140
GUIDE
3D
Fimbriated Moray
5.9”-8.7” | 15-22 cm
5.92’-9.83’ | 1.8-3 m
66-79 lb | 30-36 kg
10-30 years
Giant Moray
22.000
300.000
36.000
30.00
1900
GUIDE
3D
Giant Moray
3.5”-5.1” | 9-13 cm
59”-79” | 1.5-2 m
44-62 lb | 20-28 kg
20-40 years
Giant Mottled Eel
13.000
200.000
28.000
40.00
1050
GUIDE
3D
Giant Mottled Eel
7.9”-22” | 20-56 cm
10’-26.2’ | 3-8 m; 36’ | 11 m (Max)
882-1,322 lb | 400-600 kg
7-12 years
Giant Oarfish
56.000
800.000
600.000
12.00
21900
GUIDE
3D
Giant Oarfish
10”-20” | 25.4-50.8 cm
33”-67” | 85-170 cm
33-132 lb | 15-60 kg
10-25 years
Giant Trevally
50.800
170.000
60.000
25.00
4700
GUIDE
3D
Giant Trevally
3.3”-3.9” | 8.5-10 cm
8.3”-9.8” | 21-25 cm
.9-1.2 oz | .02-.03 kg
15-20 years
Hairy Frogfish
10.000
25.000
0.030
20.00
5250
GUIDE
3D
Hairy Frogfish
3.1”-4.1” | 8-10.5 cm
15”-19” | 38-48 cm
1.5-2.5 lb | .7-1.1 kg
20-40 years
Humpback Chub
10.500
48.000
1.100
40.00
1550
GUIDE
3D
Humpback Chub
3.1”-4.7” | 8-12 cm
39”-51” | 99-130 cm
6.6-8.8 lb | 3-4 kg
15-20 years
Japanese Eel
12.000
130.000
4.000
20.00
7800
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Eel
1.8”-4.9” | 4.5-12.5 cm
8”-22” | 20-56 cm
5-10 lb | 2.3-4.5 kg
5-14 years
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
12.500
56.000
4.500
14.00
2260
GUIDE
3D
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
5.5”-11” | 14-28 cm
36”-72” | 91-183 cm
30-100 lb | 13.6-45.4 kg
55-150 years
Lake Sturgeon
28.000
183.000
45.400
150.00
7300
GUIDE
3D
Lake Sturgeon
4”-7” | 10.2-17.8 cm
20”-36” | 51-91 cm
4-22 lb | 1.8-10 kg
10-40 years
Lake Trout
17.800
91.000
10.000
40.00
14000
GUIDE
3D
Lake Trout
4”-8” | 10.2-20.3 cm
15”-30” | 38-76 cm
1.8-30 lb | .8-13.6 kg
15-20 years
Largemouth Bass
20.300
76.000
13.600
20.00
42000
GUIDE
3D
Largemouth Bass
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
5”-7.5” | 13-19 cm
1-4 years
Lined Seahorse
3.500
19.000
4.00
1800
GUIDE
3D
Lined Seahorse
6.5”-10.5” | 16.5-26.7 cm
33”-55” | 84-140 cm
15-40 lb | 7-18 kg
4-5 years
Mahi-Mahi
26.700
140.000
18.000
5.00
6200
GUIDE
3D
Mahi-Mahi
3.5”-6.5” | 8.9-16.5 cm
28”-48” | 71-122 cm
10-40 lb | 4.5-18.1 kg
15-30 years
Muskellunge
16.500
122.000
18.100
30.00
10000
GUIDE
3D
Muskellunge
2.25”-3.75” | 5.7-9.5 cm
16”-26” | 41-66 cm
1.5-4 lb | .7-1.8 kg
10-25 years
Northern Pike
9.500
66.000
1.800
25.00
30000
GUIDE
3D
Northern Pike
.6”-1.4” | 1.5-3.5 cm
1.5”-4” | 4-10 cm
.4-.7 lb | .2-.3 kg
3-6 years
Ocellaris Clownfish
3.500
10.000
0.300
6.00
10700
GUIDE
3D
Ocellaris Clownfish
3.5”-7.1” | 9-18 cm
30”-60” | 76-152 cm
80-100 lb | 36-45 kg
40-70 years
Pallid Sturgeon
18.000
152.000
45.000
70.00
1620
GUIDE
3D
Pallid Sturgeon
5.5”-8.7” | 14-22 cm
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm
2.5-3.5 lb | 1.1-1.6 kg
15-20 years
Queen Angelfish
22.000
45.000
1.600
20.00
7650
GUIDE
3D
Queen Angelfish
4.5”-7” | 11.4-17.8 cm
20”-30” | 51-76 cm
2-8 lb | .9-3.6 kg
4-11 years
Rainbow Trout
17.800
76.000
3.600
11.00
19000
GUIDE
3D
Rainbow Trout
3.5”-7.1” | 9-18 cm
1.6’-3’ | 48-91 cm
6.6-13.2 lb | 3-6 kg
35-50 years
Razorback Sucker
18.000
91.000
6.000
50.00
840
GUIDE
3D
Razorback Sucker
3.1”-4.3” | 8-11 cm
11-15” | 28-38 cm
1-2.6 lb | .5-1.2 kg
10-18 years
Red Lionfish
11.000
38.000
1.200
18.00
10100
GUIDE
3D
Red Lionfish
2.6”-4.3” | 6.5-11 cm
9.8”-15.75” | 25-40 cm
.7-.9 lb | .3-.4 kg
9-12 years
Red-Lipped Batfish
11.000
40.000
0.400
12.00
11800
GUIDE
3D
Red-Lipped Batfish
3.7”-4.9” | 9.5-12.5 cm
9.8”-11.8” | 25-30 cm
5-10 years
Reef Triggerfish
12.500
30.000
10.00
5750
GUIDE
3D
Reef Triggerfish
13”-16.5” | 33-41.9 cm
48”-63” | 122-160 cm
25-80 lb | 11-36 kg
20-35 years
Roosterfish
41.900
160.000
36.000
35.00
3000
GUIDE
3D
Roosterfish
2.4”-3.1” | 6-8 cm
11.5’-13.1’ | 3.5-4 m
29-60 lb | 13-27 kg
10-40 years
Slender Giant Moray
8.000
400.000
27.000
40.00
90
GUIDE
3D
Slender Giant Moray
1”-1.6” | 2.5-4 cm
51”-79” | 1.3-2 m
.4-.5 lb | .17-.23 kg
7-10 years
Slender Snipe Eel
4.000
200.000
0.230
10.00
450
GUIDE
3D
Slender Snipe Eel
2.5”-6.5” | 6.4-16.5 cm
10”-27” | 25-69 cm
.8-12 lb | .4-5.4 kg
5-15 years
Smallmouth Bass
16.500
69.000
5.400
15.00
26000
GUIDE
3D
Smallmouth Bass
2”-3.1” | 5-8 cm
24”-36” | 61-91 cm
15-30 years
Snowflake Moray
8.000
91.000
30.00
1150
GUIDE
3D
Snowflake Moray
.3”-.4” | .75-1 cm
4”-4.5” | 10.2-11.4 cm
10-30 years
Snyder’s Moray
1.000
11.400
30.00
15
GUIDE
3D
Snyder’s Moray
5.5”-15.5” | 14-39.4 cm
20”-55” | 51-140 cm
5-70 lb | 2.3-32 kg
20-30 years
Striped Bass
39.400
140.000
32.000
30.00
32000
GUIDE
3D
Striped Bass
Wahoo
41000
6.5”-12” | 16.5-30.5 cm
40”-72” | 102-183 cm
15-40 lb | 7-18 kg
5-9 years
Wahoo
30.500
183.000
18.000
9.00
41000
GUIDE
3D
Wahoo
Walleye
58000
4.5”-8.5” | 11.4-21.6 cm
22”-42” | 56-107 cm
3-7 lb | 1.4-3.2 kg
15-25 years
Walleye
21.600
107.000
3.200
25.00
58000
GUIDE
3D
Walleye
1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm; 3.5” | 9 cm (Max)
8”-12” | 20-30 cm; 18” | 46 cm (Max)
2-3.3 lb | .9-1.5 kg
6-8 years
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
6.000
30.000
1.500
8.00
1505
GUIDE
3D
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
2.5”-5.5” | 6.4-14 cm
10”-18” | 25-46 cm
2-5 lb | .9-2.3 kg
4-9 years
White Bass
14.000
46.000
2.300
9.00
15000
GUIDE
3D
White Bass
.6”-2.6” | 1.5-6.5 cm
3.9”-12.2” | 10-31 cm
5-8 years
Yellow Goatfish
6.500
31.000
8.00
430
GUIDE
3D
Yellow Goatfish
1”-2.5” | 2.5-6.4 cm
4”-10” | 10-25 cm
.5-1 lb | .2-.5 kg
7-13 years
Yellow Perch
6.400
25.000
0.500
13.00
12000
GUIDE
3D
Yellow Perch
10.5”-20.5” | 26.7-52 cm
43”-83” | 110-210 cm
300-400 lb | 136-181 kg
5-10 years
Yellowfin Tuna
52.000
210.000
181.000
10.00
22000
GUIDE
3D
Yellowfin Tuna
1.2”-3.5” | 3-9 cm
20”-59” | 51-150 cm
10-20 years
Zebra Moray
9.000
150.000
20.00
1100
GUIDE
3D
Zebra Moray
American Paddlefish
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the American Paddlefish compared to an average person

The American Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is an anadromous fish found in both freshwater and brackish water bodies of North America. They are filter-feeders with late maturity, longer lifespan, and their roe is a commonly popular caviar. Male paddlefish are larger than females and all swim upstream to spawn. Besides, spawning is communal and they don’t build their nest.

The Paddlefish is also called spoonbill, shovelnose, and is the only living member of the family Polyodontidae. The paddlefish is a primitive fish since it has fewer morphological changes. They are identified by a broad paddle-like rostrum, small but poorly developed eyes, and smooth-skinned scaleless spindle-shaped body.

American Paddlefish have a total length between 5’-7’ (1.52-2.13 m), body height of 8.5”-11.5” (21.6-29.2 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 60-200 lb (27-91 kg). The typical lifespan of the American Paddlefish is 20-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the American Paddlefish seen from the side and front
The American Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is an anadromous fish found in both freshwater and brackish water bodies of North America. They are filter-feeders with late maturity, longer lifespan, and their roe is a commonly popular caviar. Male paddlefish are larger than females.

American Paddlefish have a total length between 5’-7’ (1.52-2.13 m), body height of 8.5”-11.5” (21.6-29.2 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 60-200 lb (27-91 kg). The typical lifespan of the American Paddlefish is 20-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the American Paddlefish seen from the side and front
American Paddlefish
Height:
8.5”-11.5” | 21.6-29.2 cm
Width:
Length:
5’-7’ | 1.52-2.13 m
Depth:
Weight:
60-200 lb | 27-91 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Polyodon spathula
Lifespan
20-30 years

Drawings include:

American Paddlefish side elevation, front

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Lake Sturgeon
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Lake Sturgeon compared to an average person

The Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) is not only a valuable gourmet food fish, but their caviar and isinglass are also used as specialty products. Because they are bottom feeders, they have barbels near their mouth for locating prey. They are also called rock sturgeon and swallow food because of lack of teeth, and belong to the family Acipenseridae besides being found in freshwater rivers and lakes in warm parts of North America.

Their torpedo-shaped bodies lack scales but bear rows of bony plates. The Lake Sturgeon is known to delay maturity and also spot an elongated spade-like snout and migrate for food and spawning locations.

Lake Sturgeon have a total length between 36”-72” (91-183 cm), body height of 5.5”-11” (14-28 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 30-100 lb (13.6-45.4 kg). The typical lifespan of the Lake Sturgeon is 55-150 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Lake Sturgeon viewed from the front and side
The Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) is not only a valuable gourmet food fish, but their caviar and isinglass are also used as specialty products. Because they are bottom feeders, they have barbels near their mouth for locating prey. They are also called rock sturgeon.

Lake Sturgeon have a total length between 36”-72” (91-183 cm), body height of 5.5”-11” (14-28 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 30-100 lb (13.6-45.4 kg). The typical lifespan of the Lake Sturgeon is 55-150 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Lake Sturgeon viewed from the front and side
Lake Sturgeon
Height:
5.5”-11” | 14-28 cm
Width:
Length:
36”-72” | 91-183 cm
Depth:
Weight:
30-100 lb | 13.6-45.4 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Acipenser fulvescens
Lifespan
55-150 years

Drawings include:

Lake Sturgeon side elevation, front

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Common Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Common Hogfish to other saltwater fish

The Common Hogfish, also known scientifically as Lachnolaimus maximus, earned its name “hogfish,” from its tendency to root around in sand in order to find food. The Common Hogfish, when compared to other species of wrasse, is uncharacteristically flat and oval shaped with red irises that change color over the course of its life. The Common Hogfish lives in groups of females led by an alpha male. Hogfish start their lives as females and once they have grown to a certain size, they change to males. The Common Hogfish can usually be found in open bottoms or coral reefs from Bermuda and North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.

The  Common Hogfish is also called pez perro, boquinete, or doncella de pluma. This fish is carnivorous, sequential hermaphrodite, and long-lived. Males and females are easy to differentiate. Females and juveniles are usually pale gray, reddish-brown, or brown but paler on the underside with no distinctive marks. Males have deep dark bands from the snout to the first dorsal spine. You may also see a prominent black spot behind the pectoral fin. All hogfish have their dorsal fin made of three to four long dorsal spines and a series of shorter dorsal spines.



Common Hogfish have a total length between 10”-36” (25.4-91.4 cm) and body height of 3.5”-12.6” (9-32 cm). The typical weight of the Common Hogfish is in the range of 11-22 lb (5-10 kg). Common Hogfish have lifespans between 8-11 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Hogfish in various poses
The Common Hogfish, also known scientifically as Lachnolaimus maximus, earned its name “hogfish,” from its tendency to root around in sand in order to find food. The Common Hogfish, when compared to other species of wrasse, is uncharacteristically flat and oval shaped with red irises.

Common Hogfish have a total length between 10”-36” (25.4-91.4 cm) and body height of 3.5”-12.6” (9-32 cm). The typical weight of the Common Hogfish is in the range of 11-22 lb (5-10 kg). Common Hogfish have lifespans between 8-11 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Hogfish in various poses
Common Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus)
Height:
3.5”-12.6” | 9-32 cm
Width:
Length:
10”-36” | 25.4-91.4 cm
Depth:
Weight:
11-22 lb | 5-10 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Lachnolaimus maximus
Lifespan
8-11 years

Drawings include:

Common Hogfish side elevation, front

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Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Lined Seahorse compared to other saltwater fish

The lined seahorse can be found in aquariums and traditional medicine. They are very good at imitating their habitat. The Lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) belongs to the family Syngnathidae and is also called spotted seahorse, seahorse, northern seahorse, and horsefish. They are found in western Atlantic oceans from Canada to the Caribbean, south of Mexico, and Venezuela. Males are distinguished from females by their large bodies and long tails. The lined seahorse practices a monogamous lifestyle with males being the primary caregiver. They have a brawny and upright appearance and also an armor-like body covered in several bony plates. Their names come from the distinct white lines on their neck.

Lined Seahorses have a total length between 5”-7.5” (13-19 cm) and body height of 1”-1.4” (2.5-3.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lined Seahorse is in the range of 1-4 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Lined Seahorse
The lined seahorse can be found in aquariums and traditional medicine. They are very good at imitating their habitat. The Lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) belongs to the family Syngnathidae and is also called spotted seahorse, seahorse, northern seahorse, and horsefish.

Lined Seahorses have a total length between 5”-7.5” (13-19 cm) and body height of 1”-1.4” (2.5-3.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lined Seahorse is in the range of 1-4 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Lined Seahorse
Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus)
Height:
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
Width:
Length:
5”-7.5” | 13-19 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Hippocampus erectus
Lifespan
1-4 years

Drawings include:

Lined Seahorse side elevation, front

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Giant Moray (Gymnothorax javanicus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Giant Moray to other eels and a typical person

The Giant moray (Gymnothorax javanicus) compliments the roving coral grouper by participating in cooperative hunting. Adult giant moray spot leopard-related spots behind the head. This is the largest moray in terms of body mass, having its elongated body in a brown hue. Interestingly, the heavy body set does not inhibit its flexibility and ease of movement. The fish fit into the family Muraenidae, preferring coral shoals of Indo-Pacific zones. It possesses a pleasant sense of smell but poor eyesight. The fish travels several miles to breed and during this stage, it uses its accumulated body fat and muscle tissues instead of feeding.

Giant Morays have a total length between 5.92’-9.83’ (1.8-3 m) and body height of 5.9”-8.7” (15-22 cm). The typical weight of the Giant Moray is in the range of 66-79 lb (30-36 kg). Giant Morays have lifespans between 10-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Giant Moray in various poses
The Giant moray (Gymnothorax javanicus) compliments the roving coral grouper by participating in cooperative hunting. Adult giant moray spot leopard-related spots behind the head. This is the largest moray in terms of body mass, having its elongated body in a brown hue.

Giant Morays have a total length between 5.92’-9.83’ (1.8-3 m) and body height of 5.9”-8.7” (15-22 cm). The typical weight of the Giant Moray is in the range of 66-79 lb (30-36 kg). Giant Morays have lifespans between 10-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Giant Moray in various poses
Giant Moray (Gymnothorax javanicus)
Height:
5.9”-8.7” | 15-22 cm
Width:
Length:
5.92’-9.83’ | 1.8-3 m
Depth:
Weight:
66-79 lb | 30-36 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Gymnothorax javanicus
Lifespan
10-30 years

Drawings include:

Giant Moray side elevation, side (perspective), front, top

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