You may not think that there are too many fish out there to name them all, but you would be wrong.
The world of ichthyology is an endless sea of names and facts. We have compiled 15 bizarre fish names and some interesting facts about these creatures for your enjoyment! The Mola mola, called the ocean sunfish, is a type of fish that can grow up to six feet in length and weighs about two thousand pounds. There are over 25 different species of Eels living in fresh water! The electric eel has an amazing sense of hearing too. It’s not clear how they communicate with one another yet.. but scientists hypothesize it may be through electricity itself.
Lampreys are ichthyology’s most ancient member – going back at least 400 million years ago (in contrast jellyfish only date back around 100 million years). Lampreys have long been used as treatments for wounds because they contain a natural form of anticoagulant known as heparin. The electric eel produces an electrical charge in order to hunt its prey and protect itself from predators (shocking!). When they are attacking their target, the voltage of a single shock can reach 500 volts – which is enough to immobilize any creature or even kill certain animals!
Japanese spider crabs have claws that measure up to 12 feet wide.
This crab has been called “the king crab” because it’s so large and rare. They also live as deep as three thousand meters below sea level! What else do you know about them? Tell us your thoughts on this fascinating fish species by posting comments below.. thanks for reading our blog post today!
Scorpionfish swim using six pairs
Arowana: This fish is native to South America and derives its name from the Tupian word “arua noanna” meaning “the bird of paradise.” The Chinese refer to it as Dragon Fish because they are often seen in pairs swimming together.
Beluga Whale: It might be a mouthful, but this whale was named for its resemblance to the white beluga sturgeon found in Russia’s Caspian Sea which also appears on Russian coats-of-arms and currency. When people began seeing these whales near Newfoundland in Canada, their similarity to one another led them to call them by the same name (pictured below). Their scientific name means “white head.”
Betta Splendens: These fish are native to Thailand and derive their name from the Malay word “betta.”
Angelfish: This is one of nature’s most perfect designs. Angelfish lack scales, fins or spines which makes them less vulnerable to predators when they reside in coral reefs near other holes where smaller creatures might be hiding. The term “angel” comes from their resemblance to angels who were thought in Christianity (and later Islam) folklore as being beings concerned with protecting humans on Earth.
Sailfin Molly: It gets its moniker for having a sail-like dorsal fin that helps it swim freely through water while also acting like an additional organ for gas exchange so it can breathe better at the surface.
Guppy: This is a common aquarium fish that derives its name from the Guppy Island or “isle of guppies” in Trinidad, where it was first discovered and collected by Dr. William Beebe. The word “guppy” most likely came about due to confusion with the Portuguese term “peixe,” which means ‘fish.’
Zebra Danio: It takes its name from two things; zebra stripes on their body as well as their place of origin—India!
They were originally thought to be just an albino variation of another species until they were later identified for what they are today. Zebra danio have also been known under other names such as zebrinus, Pakistani danio and gold-striped barb.
Ocellaris Clownfish: The name of this fish is derived from the Latin word ocellus which means “small eye.” These fish are also commonly known as anemone fishes due to their close relationship with sea anemones. They live in a symbiosis where both creatures benefit by living together; the clownfishes protect their host anemonies through aggressive behaviors against predators that might eat them like crabs or other sea life while at the same time being homes for these little guys too!
Puffer Fish: This particular species takes its namesake after it’s ability when threatened into inflating its body size up to 50 times more than normal making it almost impossible to eat.
Pufferfish are also know as blowfish or globefish, but these names give the illusion that they’re fizzy drinks!
Flagfin Bass: The name of this fish has a lot in common with other species like guppies and mollies which all share their name’s origins from “milli” meaning thousand and the Latin term for finned-bodies such as guitarfishes and ray fishes. This specie is found living on freshwater lakes across North America southward into Mexico making them an important food source for larger predatory animals like herons, osprey, cormorants, snapping turtles, raccoons along with humans too!
Swordtail: These little guys were named for their long, thin tail that resembles a sword! They’re typically found in North America where they live among the plants and leaves along with other small fish like minnows.
Moorish Idol: The name of this species may have been derived from an archaic term used by Arab traders meaning “false idol”. Either way these fish are some of the most bizarre looking ones out there sporting two different colors to hide themselves against predators under rocks or vegetation on coral reefs. These guys can also be recognized by those unique red spots on its head which scientists speculate is due to anglerfish mating rituals since males secrete chemicals into females’ skin through open wounds as part of courtship ritual.
Sea Grapes: This offbeat name is derived from the way these fish tend to be found clinging on plants and rocks with (surprise) grapes-like clusters of eggs in their mouths.
Usually they’re greenish, brown or black so you’ll often find them camouflaged among vegetation at low tide levels.
Nurse Shark: As it would seem this shark’s name was also taken for its appearance since a nurse shark looks like something that might lurk around an emergency room waiting for patients! These sharks are usually large and can grow up to 12 feet long though they only eat shrimp which explains why they make such good aquarium pets. They have two dorsal fins as opposed to one and what look like whiskers protruding from their snouts while females give birth to
What is a Balao?
A balao is a kind of catfish. It’s known for its long whiskers and slippery skin. Because they are so slimy, it can be hard to catch them!
Balaos live in the rivers and streams that flow into the Gulf of Mexico in North America. They feed on worms, small fish, crustaceans and aquatic plants near the surface of water or over gravel beds. The largest species grows up to three feet (91 cm) long but most measure about one foot (.33 m). These unusual-looking creatures have been around since before humans were walking upright.
What is an Angler Fish?
An angler fish gets its name from Fish, apparently the least popular of all aquatic animals when it comes to naming conventions The Great White Shark – The name “great white” was originally used by sailors for an especially large and powerful kind of sperm whale that hunted off South Africa. Over time, they started calling them great whites in reference to their size and ferocity. As we know now, these sharks hunt seals along coastal waters worldwide. They have a huge mouth with many sharp triangular teeth set on each side of both jaws which allow them to chomp down on prey quickly before pulling back out again like so much spaghetti! And at up to 20 feet long (slightly shorter than five meters), this is one very big fish indeed. In fact, its body
