Family Moronidae – temperate basses
Spelling:
Moronidae. M,O,R,O,N,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Two dorsal fins, streamlined body, carnivorous, migratory behavior
Biological Context: Includes striped bass and white bass. Found in coastal and estuarine systems. Important in sport and commercial fisheries. Exhibit anadromous life cycles and schooling behavior.
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Family Lutjanidae – snappers
Spelling:
Lutjanidae. L,U,T,J,A,N,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Large mouth, robust body, sharp canine teeth
Biological Context: Reef-associated predators. Found in tropical and subtropical waters. Important in commercial fisheries and reef trophic dynamics.
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Family Haemulidae – grunts
Spelling:
Haemulidae. H,A,E,M,U,L,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Thick lips, pharyngeal teeth, sound production via swim bladder
Biological Context: Nocturnal reef dwellers. Feed on invertebrates and exhibit schooling behavior. Named for their vocalizations, which are used in communication and defense.
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Family Chaetodontidae – butterflyfishes
Spelling:
Chaetodontidae. C,H,A,E,T,O,D,O,N,T,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Laterally compressed body, elongated snout, bright coloration, eye stripe
Biological Context: Coral reef specialists. Feed on coral polyps and small invertebrates. Exhibit monogamous pairing and territoriality. Important indicators of reef health and biodiversity.
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Family Pomacanthidae – angelfishes
Spelling:
Pomacanthidae. P,O,M,A,C,A,N,T,H,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Laterally compressed body, preopercular spine, vibrant coloration, continuous dorsal fin
Biological Context: Coral reef specialists. Feed on sponges, algae, and small invertebrates. Exhibit territoriality and complex social structures. Important in reef aesthetics and aquarium trade.
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Family Ephippidae – spadefishes
Spelling:
Ephippidae. E,P,H,I,P,P,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Deep body, vertical bars, schooling behavior
Biological Context: Found in coastal and reef environments. Omnivorous diet includes algae and invertebrates. Juveniles often associate with floating debris or jellyfish.
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Family Sphyraenidae – barracudas
Spelling:
Sphyraenidae. S,P,H,Y,R,A,E,N,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Elongate body, fang-like teeth, forked tail, ambush predation
Biological Context: Fast-swimming pelagic predators. Found in tropical and subtropical waters. Known for sudden strikes and solitary hunting. Important in reef and open-water food webs.
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Family Carangidae – jacks and pompanos
Spelling:
Carangidae. C,A,R,A,N,G,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Deeply forked tail, compressed body, fast-swimming, schooling behavior
Biological Context: Found in coastal and pelagic zones. Important predators and forage species. Exhibit high maneuverability and are targeted in sport and commercial fisheries. Family Rachycentridae – cobia
Spelling:
Rachycentridae. R,A,C,H,Y,C,E,N,T,R,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Elongate body, single dorsal fin, dark lateral stripe
Biological Context: Solitary pelagic predator. Found in warm coastal waters. Known for rapid growth and aquaculture potential. Often mistaken for sharks due to body shape. Family Coryphaenidae – dolphinfishes
Spelling:
Coryphaenidae. C,O,R,Y,P,H,A,E,N,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Compressed head, long dorsal fin, vibrant coloration
Biological Context: Includes mahi-mahi. Fast-growing pelagic species with short lifespan. Important in recreational and commercial fisheries. Exhibit sexual dimorphism and seasonal migrations. Family Xiphiidae – swordfish
Spelling:
Xiphiidae. X,I,P,H,I,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Elongated rostrum (sword), large size, endothermic brain and eyes
Biological Context: Apex pelagic predator. Found in tropical and temperate oceans. Specialized for high-speed hunting in deep and surface waters. Important in global fisheries and oceanic food webs.
Family Istiophoridae – billfishes (marlins and sailfish)
Spelling:
Istiophoridae. I,S,T,I,O,P,H,O,R,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Elongated bill, dorsal fin often sail-like, streamlined body
Biological Context: Fast pelagic predators. Capable of burst swimming and long-distance migration. Important in sport fisheries and apex oceanic food webs. Family Xiphiidae – swordfish
Spelling:
Xiphiidae. X,I,P,H,I,I,D,A,E.
Taxonomic Rank: Family
Key Characteristics: Flattened rostrum (sword), large size, endothermic adaptations
Biological Context: Solitary open-ocean predator. Specialized for deep and surface hunting. Important in global fisheries and trophic dynamics.