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The Evolutionary Path of Mullet: What is the Origin and Evolution of These Strange Creatures?
The mullet, a strange creature in the ocean, is famous for its unique way of hunting. One of their distinctive features is that they have a luminous lure, which makes them one of the most fascinating predators in the deep sea. The evolutionary history and biological characteristics of black carp have attracted widespread attention from scientists, helping us better understand how this special creature adapts to the extreme environment in which it lives.
The unique way that black carp hunt makes them an integral part of the ecosystem and illustrates how organisms evolve as their environment changes.
The origin of mullet
The fossil record of mullets dates back to the Eocene Epoch in the Monte Bolca Formation in Italy, and these early fossils already show their diversity. Research suggests that mullets may have evolved during the Cretaceous period. The latest research indicates that all suborders of mullets most likely diverged during the Late Cretaceous and Paleocene.
Classification of black carp
According to the Fifth Edition of Fishes of the World, black carp is divided into five suborders and eighteen families. These include species as specific as the black carp, giving the group a diverse range of evolutionary adaptations.
According to the latest classification, the suborders of black carp include Lophioidei, Antennarioidei, Ceratioidei, etc. These classifications reflect the role of black carp in the ecosystem and enable people to have a deeper understanding of its evolutionary history.
Anatomical features of the mullet
The hunting behavior of the silver carp is extremely disciplined, with unique adaptations in shape and structure that are suitable for catching prey. Mostly dark grey or brown in colour, deep-sea species have large, curved mouths lined with almost barbed teeth that allow them to effectively grab prey. The length of these fishes ranges from 2 to 18 cm, with some species reaching 100 cm, and they also show clear sexual dimorphism.
The mouth of the black carp can expand to swallow prey even larger than its entire body, which allows them to survive in environments where food is limited.
Predation behavior of black carp
Grayfish use a unique way of "fishing" to catch prey, and the core of this method is their illicium, a long tentacle that attracts small fish by mimicking prey. The tentacle can move flexibly to simulate live bait and further lure prey into taking the bait.
Reproductive behavior of black carp
Some groups of black carp use an unusual method of reproduction, especially in the Ceratiidae family, where the males must rely on attaching to females to survive due to their sparseness. This sexually differentiated reproductive mode enables the black carp to have a special strategy in reproduction, ensuring that females always have mating partners available.
Threats facing black carp
As commercial fishing grows, grey bream stocks in some northern European regions are pushed into unsafe territory. Due to factors such as climate change, black carp also face the problem of shrinking living space, which further threatens their future.
Human consumption and culture
Although some types of black carp are included in the protection list, black carp is still a popular ingredient in the food culture of various places. In Western Europe and North America, the tail of black carp is often compared to lobster in taste and has become a popular delicacy.
Through the unique biology and evolution of black carp, we can not only understand how these creatures adapt to their habitats, but also consider the impacts of human activities on them. When faced with such unique biological evolutionary adaptations, can we learn from their survival wisdom and at the same time work hard to protect these unique marine creatures?
