Scorpaeniformes
The scorpion fishes and sculpins is a large group of mostly marine fish that are found throughout the world. There are more than 1320 species in 35 families, the majority of those families are found only in the world's oceans. Scorpion fishes and sculpins are generally squat fish that live at or near the bottom of bodies of water and are not strong swimmers, although some are streamlined and live in the main water column. Scorpion fishes and sculpins are mainly predators, but eat a wide variety of foods.
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