Gadiformes
The cods and hakes group is a large group of mostly marine fish, although there are some freshwater members. There are 475 species in 10 families found throughout the oceans of the world and in many freshwater ecosystems. The cods, in particular, are very important food fish, and are second only to the herrings in economic important to commercial fisheries.
Contributors
Tanya Dewey (author), Animal Diversity Web.
Glossary
- bilateral symmetry
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having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.
- chemical
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uses smells or other chemicals to communicate
- motile
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having the capacity to move from one place to another.
- natatorial
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specialized for swimming
- tactile
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uses touch to communicate