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Introduction
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Introduction |
Fish are the number one pet in the United States, yet very few veterinarians are familiar with diagnosis and treatment of fish diseases (Current Concepts, J.A.V.M.A., p1267, Nov 1, 1994). Aside from pet fish being a component of a small animal practice, there are many additional opportunities for veterinarians to work with fish species.
Since there is such a variety of fish species, a brief summary is as follows:
Brief classification of fish species -
Of the approximately 21,000 known species of fish, about 95% are teleosts (bony fish), about 4% are cartilaginous fish (sharks, rays) and about 1% are agnathians (jawless fish) and others.
A. Agnathia (very primitive e.g. Hagfish, lampreys)
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| Figure 1 - Hagfish | Figure 2 - Lamprey |
B. Cartilaginous fish (sharks, rays)
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| Figure 3 - Shark |
C. Bony fish
| 1. Chondrostei
(sturgeons, paddle fish) 2. Holostei (gar pike, bowfin) 3. Teleostei (most present day fish)
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