Fractured Fish of the Earth's Waters Quiz

Answer: Grouper

Grouper is the name of several species of fish of the family Serranidae. Some species of grouper can weigh up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds). The grouper's diet consists of other fish, crab, lobster, and octopus.

Answer: Sturgeon

There are approximately 20 different species of sturgeon around the world. The sturgeon was actually proclaimed as a "royal fish" by King Edward II in the 1300s. The sturgeon is also popular as a food source of the delicacy caviar.

Answer: Barracuda

The 25 species of barracuda, known for their elongated and menacing appearance, belong to the family Sphyraenidae. The barracuda is a very prevalent fish, found in tropical waters worldwide.

Answer: Mako Shark

The mako shark is one of the swiftest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour. Makos are typically between 9 and 13 feet in length and 800-1,500 pounds. The term mako, derived from the Maori language, means "blue lightning".

Answer: Herring

Although the Atlantic herring is the most well-known, there are almost 200 species of herring. The different species vary in weights from 1 pound to 200 pounds. A study conducted on the herring at the University of British Colombia won the IG Nobel Prize Award (a parody of the actual Nobel Prizes) in 2004; its main finding was that herring may communicate by flatulence.

Answer: Bluefin Tuna

The three principal species of bluefin tuna include the northern bluefin tuna, southern bluefin tuna, and Pacific bluefin tuna. The northern variety, recognizable by its short pectoral fins, is a highly valued food fish.

Answer: Atlantic Salmon

The Atlantic salmon is an anadromous fish, meaning that it primarily feeds and grows in salt water and spawns in fresh water. Unlike the Pacific salmon which dies almost immediately after spawning, the Atlantic salmon is capable of accomplishing multiple spawning migrations.

Answer: Lamprey

The lamprey is a rather unique fish in that it contains cartilage and it is not classified as either a vertebrate or invertebrate. The lamprey's life begins in a larval stage that lasts up to 7 years and then they undergo a metamorphosis which changes their bodies into a fish.

Answer: Piranha

The piranha, growing to only 6-10 inches in length, is well-known for its sharp teeth and ability to attack large prey in groups. They are almost exclusively found in the Amazon River and its tributaries.

Answer: Cod

The various cod species are capable of producing over 1,000,000 eggs in a single season. For centuries, the cod has been a staple food source to humans. An interesting read about how the cod has affected history is the book "Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World" by Mark Kurlansky.

Answer: Wahoo

The wahoo is very similar in appearance to the king mackerel and it is believed that its name is derived from the Hawaiian island Oahu. Rather than traveling in schools, the wahoo typically lives alone or in groups of two or three.

Answer: Pygmy Seahorse

The 35 known species of seahorses make up the genus Hippocampus. Seahorses are instantly recognizable due to their peculiar shape. The pygmy seahorse, one of the smaller varities, lives in the waters off the Philippines and Indonesia.

Answer: Halibut

The halibut's appearance resembles that of the flounder. The females may reach a weight of 500 pounds while the males generally weigh less than 100 pounds. Different halibut species include the Pacific halibut, Atlantic halibut, California halibut, Greenland halibut, and Australian halibut.

Answer: Mahi-Mahi

The mahi-mahi, also known as the dolphin fish and dorado, is a colorful fish that is usually colored yellow on the sides, and blue and green on the back. The mahi-mahi, heavily sought after by fishermen, may weigh up to 90 pounds but it typically weighs between 15 and 25 pounds.

Answer: Electric Eel

The electric eel is actually a fish rather than an eel. It is known as a knifefish which is a group of fish able to produce electric charges. The electric eel can grow up to 8 feet in length and generate a 600 volt shock.