Question:

Which of the following is exclusively marine and considered as scavenger (feeds on dead or dying fish)?

Show Hint

Hagfish are jawless marine scavengers feeding on dead or dying animals, a unique ecological niche among fish.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • Hag fish
  • Lamprey
  • Lung fishes
  • Latemaria
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding scavengers.
- Scavengers are organisms that feed on dead or decaying organic matter in their environment.

Step 2: Marine habitat of hagfish.

- Hagfish are eel-shaped, jawless marine fish.
- They live in deep oceans and feed mainly on dead or dying fishes.

Step 3: Adaptations for scavenging.

- Hagfish secrete slime to deter predators.
- Possess rasping tongue to burrow and consume carcasses.

Step 4: Comparison with other options.

- Lamprey: parasitic, attaches to live fish.
- Lung fishes: freshwater, not scavengers.
- Latemaria (coelacanth): deep marine, carnivorous but not scavenger.

Step 5: Conclusion.

Hence, Hag fish is exclusively marine and a scavenger.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0