IDENTIFICATION (with reason) OF Tenualosa sp (B.Sc. ZOOLOGY_CCF- SEMESTER5_DSCC-9)

Identifying features are:

1. Multicellular heterotroph.
2. embryonic development, preceded by heterogametic fertilization.

            Hence, the specimen belongs to the Kingdom Animalia.

1. Presence of hollow, dorsal, tubular nerve cord.
2. Presence of notochord, at any stage of their life or throughout the life.
3.  Presence of pharyngeal gill slits & post anal tail during some stage in the ontogeny.

            Hence, the specimen belongs to the Phylum Chordata.

1. Presence of Cranium.
2. Presence of vertebral column.
3. Presence of paired lateral appendages.
4. A post anal tail usually present.

           Hence, the specimen belongs to the Sub Phylum: Vertebrata

1. Mouth is covered by functional jaws.
2. Presence of paired appendages.

       Hence, the specimen belongs to the Super Class Gnathostomata

1. Operculum is present to cover the gills.
2. Homocercal type of tail is present.
3. Presence of bony endoskeleton.
4. Presence of terminal mouth.

      Hence, the specimen belongs to the Class: Osteichthyes

1. Fins are  supported by lepidotrichia—thin, bony, or horny spines that radiate from the body.
2. Fin rays attach directly to the internal skeletal elements (radials).
3. Rays are connected by a thin layer of skin (webbing), acting like a folding fan. 

   Hence, the specimen belongs to the Sub Class: Actinopterygii

1. Scales are absent or covered by epidermis.
2. Presence of fully filamentous gills.
3. Presence of swim bladder.

Hence, the specimen belongs to the Super Order Teleostei

1. The presence of scutes—a row of sharp, keel-like scales along the belly, gives these fish a characteristic 'saw-toothed' appearance.

2. Body is covered with deciduous cycloid scales that contain high levels of guanine, creating a brilliant silvery, reflective sheen.

3. A  Single short dorsal fin located near the midpoint of the body.

Hence, the specimen belongs to the  Order Clupeiformes

1. Laterally compressed body, is covered by shinning silvery scales.
2. Ventral side of abdomen has saw edge.
3. On the posterior-dorsal surface, vertical darker bars appear.
4. Presence of dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, anal & caudal fins.
5. Caudal fin is partly covered by scales at its base.
6. Caudal lobes are short & stubby.

Hence, the specimen seems to be 

Tenualosa sp

Systematic Position: (Young,1981)

Kingdom: Animalia

         Phylum: Chordata

             Sub Phylum: Vertebrata

                    Super Class: Gnathostomata

                         Class: Osteichthyes

                               Sub Class: Actinopterygii

                                  Super Order: Teleostei

                                              Order:  Clupeiformes

                                                  Genus: Tenualosa