Question

The presence of 5 spines in the first dorsal fin and a large mouth with fang-like teeth are the striking taxonomic features of

• A. Sphyrnidae
• B. Sphyraenidae
• C. Scombridae
• D. Mugilidae

Hint:

Sphyraenidae = Barracudas $\rightarrow$ Fang-like teeth + 5 spines in the first dorsal fin.
Mugilidae = Mullets $\rightarrow$ 4 spines in the first dorsal fin + small mouth.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Taxonomic classification of teleost fishes relies on morphological characters, including fin ray counts, the position and structure of dorsal fins, and dentition.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the taxonomic characters of each family:
Sphyrnidae consists of hammerhead sharks, which are cartilaginous fishes (elasmobranchs) and do not possess spiny dorsal fins typical of bony fishes.
Scombridae includes mackerels and tunas, which have a high number of spines in the first dorsal fin (usually 9 to 15) and lack massive, protruding, fang-like teeth.
Mugilidae consists of mullets, which have 4 spines in the first dorsal fin and a small, often toothless mouth adapted for detritus feeding.
Sphyraenidae consists of the barracudas, which are highly predatory marine bony fishes.
Their striking diagnostic features include a long, pointed snout with a large mouth containing powerful, prominent, fang-like teeth of unequal size set in deep sockets.
Furthermore, they possess two widely separated dorsal fins, where the first dorsal fin contains exactly 5 strong spines.
This combination of 5 dorsal spines and large, fang-like teeth is unique to the Sphyraenidae.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The taxonomic features described are characteristic of the family Sphyraenidae.