The species of sturgeon has more than a dozen representatives. However, one of the most amazing is the spike fish. After all, if you believe the research of scientists, then this marine life appeared due to the union of other species. So, traces of sturgeon, beluga, and stellate sturgeon can be traced in the gene pool of the ship.
So let's plunge into the wonderful world of nature and talk about what other secrets the thorn fish hides. Find out what it looks like, where it lives and what it eats. And also try to understand why it is today on the verge of extinction.
Spike fish description
Adults can reach two meters in length. But most representatives of this species are much smaller. The body itself is oblong, with pronounced, cone-shaped spikes on the back. In fact, it is thanks to them that this fish got its name.
Ship is noticeably different from his closest relatives. For example, unlike other representatives of sturgeons, it has fringed antennae attached to the lower lip. The spike received this physiological feature from its ancestors,which had common roots with the sterlet.
As for the color scheme, it ranges from light gray to greenish. But the belly of the fish is light, almost white. In addition, the spike is covered with star-shaped scales that are easily visible along the entire body.
Area
So, where does the thorn live? Fish feel equally good in both s alt and fresh water. Therefore, its range extends for many kilometers, which is incredibly surprising to many scientists.
So, representatives of this species can be found in the Caspian, Aral, Azov and Black Seas, as well as in the basins of those rivers that adjoin these reservoirs. In particular, large populations of the thorn live in the Urals, Kura and Sefidrud.
Ship is a long-lived fish
The life path of this fish begins in fresh waters. Therefore, with the advent of spring, adults begin to migrate up the river in order to reach their spawning grounds. Here they lay their eggs, after which they return back to the sea.
Soon fry emerge from the eggs. It should be noted that the young are in no hurry to leave their native waters. A year will pass, and only then they will go to s alt water, simultaneously gaining strength for life on the high seas. Many spikes will live at the mouth of the river for a long time, as it is very difficult for them to cross the last line.
As for the life cycle, the spike is a long-lived fish. On average, representatives of this species live about 20-22 years. However, science knows cases when these fish lived up to thirty years,which is a good indicator for the inhabitants of the underwater kingdom.
Fish habits
Shipa is considered by many to be a clumsy fish, but this is not entirely true. In truth, this creature simply does not like to make unnecessary movements and, because of this, prefers to lead a calm lifestyle. However, this does not mean that the thorn is quiet and harmless. For example, when hunting, he reacts incredibly quickly, giving the victim no chance to escape.
Red Book
Ship is a fish listed in the Red Book of Russia. It just so happened that at the beginning of the 20th century, its catch was allowed, which greatly reduced the population of this species. So, by 1980, its numbers had decreased by almost 80%, which worried scientists and environmentalists. Therefore, in 1983, a special decree was issued, according to which the spike was included in the Red Book. Alas, these measures failed to correct the current state of affairs.
Even today, the thorn fish is on the brink of extinction. The reason for this is that the spike reaches puberty only by the twelfth year of its life. And because of this, many individuals die much earlier than they have time to give birth to the first offspring.
