plein eau - Discover fishes living in these biotopes

The European sturgeon is a migratory fish. The eggs are collected before they mature, they are used for the production of caviar. The sturgeon disappeared from many European rivers because of fishing and the construction of dams. For several years, it was raised in captivity in many countries.

Aetomylaeus bovinus, also known as the duckbill eagle ray, is one of the largest rays in the Mediterranean. This species, found in the tropical and warm waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, is still poorly studied but appears to be endangered in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. It frequents coastal areas and mainly feeds on crustaceans and mollusks, such as mussels, oysters, and gastropods.

Arothron stellatus is one of the giants among pufferfish. It is easily recognizable by its dark markings. Typically solitary, this species frequents sandy areas of lagoons and offshore reefs. It is a copepod predator that supplements its diet with various crustaceans and fish eggs.

Carcharhinus falciformis, known as the silky shark, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical seas. However, this species is threatened due to overfishing, and is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Recognizable by its elongated and slender body, gray back, and white belly, this fast and aggressive predator feeds on fish, mollusks, and crustaceans.

The bull shark is listed in most tropical and subtropical seas. It is feared due to its propensity to attack humans, being responsible for most recorded fatal attacks to date. This active predator primarily hunts in murky waters. It is capable of swimming long distances and adapts to changes in salinity, frequenting estuaries, coves along the coasts, and waters with high turbidity.

Carcharodon carcharias, known as the white shark, is found in the coastal and oceanic waters of temperate and sub-tropical oceans and seas worldwide. A solitary predator, it feeds on fish, sharks, rays, and marine mammals, and can also scavenge on whale carcasses. With a keen sense of sight, it is curious and observant towards objects and activities. It is sometimes responsible for attacks on surfers.

The dorsal fin of the fish, turned into suction cup allows it to cling to other animals. It sticks mostly to the body of the animal, but also in the mouth or near the gills of some "hosts" (mantas, sharks ...). it often eats its host food leftovers.

The rainbow trout comes from the western United States where she was raised intensively since the beginning of the twentieth century. It was introduced in many parts of the world. In Europe, it sometimes supplants the native trout. In Wallonia, its introduction is prohibited in the natural environment.

The blue shark, also known as the "blue skin shark," is a pelagic predator found in temperate and tropical marine waters, with occasional sightings near the coast. Its wide distribution, however, is threatened by overfishing. Recognizable by its blue back and white belly, this sleek-bodied shark mainly feeds on small fish, mollusks, cephalopods, and sometimes birds.

The whale shark, the largest living shark in the world, frequents tropical and subtropical waters, excluding the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its massive size, it is harmless to humans. Its population has declined due to fishing, and its conservation remains a challenge. These sharks move slowly and feed on plankton, small fish, crustaceans, and squid. They undertake seasonal migrations, and some populations are relatively isolated. Concerns have been raised about the impacts of tourism on their behavior.