Turtles aren’t the only endangered marine animals in this world. There are 1,414 species of fish that are included in the red list of endangered species of the International Union of Conservation of Nature. Around 5 percent of the species of fish in the whole world is in the brink of extinction. Habitat loss and pollution are some of the main threats for these fish species. However, the main reason for the decline of the numbers of these fishes is overfishing. Here are 5 endangered species of fish found in the list of endangered species by the IUCN:

1. Russian Sturgeon. This is a bony kind of fish that can be seen in the waters of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It is a big fish that can reach up to 6 feet in length. It is widely being fished because of its meat and its eggs are being used for caviar. Its habitat is also threatened by pollution and damns are being built around some of its feeding areas. These are the main reasons why this fish is included in the list of endangered species.

   

2. Smalltooth Sawfish. This fish looks like a shark and it has cartilages instead of bones. It can be found in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It can also be found in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It lives in shallow waters and can easily be caught in fishing nets. This is the main reason why it is included in the list of endangered species. Other t5hreats on this fish includes hunting and water pollution.

3. Salmon. Wild salmon are significantly declining in numbers, which is why it is included in the list of endangered species. Some of the salmon species that are considered endangered are the Coho, Chinook, Chum, Cockeye and the Atlantic Salmon. Overfishing and pollution are the main reasons for the decreasing numbers of these salmon species.

4. Angel Shark. Even though this fish is called a shark, it actually looks more like a sting ray. It can found anywhere all over the world. It stays and hides in the mud of the ocean floor. It is declining in numbers because it is caught in fishnets and its meat is sometimes used as alternative for other fish meats.

5. Steelhead Trout. This is a new species in the list opf endangered species of fishes. The main threats of this fish species is pollution, habitat loss, and overhunting. Fortunately, there have been protective and conservational measures being done by some of the leading wildlife organizations in the world.

They are typically found in the United States, specifically Arizona. In their adult form, they can measure up to 60cm long. The Bonytail Chub typically lays eggs from May-June. It normally feeds on insects and algae which are food common to many other fish, therefore having to compete with fish that have entered their native ground cause them to lack food. The reason other fish may migrate to other places is because they’ve also lost their habitats. It doesn’t help that many of our waters are becoming increasingly polluted from industrial activity.

The problems with many endangered fish species may not seem enormous at the moment, but trends seem to suggest that this will magnify in the future if something isn’t done. The end result could see a wipeout of entire species. To start, many should take effort in cleaning up the environment and preserving our land and waters. There are countless of fish that die as a result of unlivable environments. A simple idea of sustainability that is educated among our children could prove to be the changing factor in saving endangered animals.

A female will travel the beaches to dig, lay, and bury its eggs and then leave the nest and head back out into the ocean.  Once these eggs hatch, they then migrate into the ocean to survive on their own.  As tiny little turtles, they are rarely seen on the ocean’s shallowest floor.  As adults they will live in the shallow waters feeding on the lush sea grasses free to roam until one of their two predators catch them, humans or larger sharks.   Because of their predators, they have reached Endangered on the Conservation list.  If they are able to stay away from predators, most mature sea turtles can live to an average age of eighty years old.

In order to save this endangered animal from extinction many countries and organizations have undergone initiatives and conservation.  Country specific initiatives have enabled hatcheries in order to protect the eggs from being scavenged by wild animals.  Those living in the native countries where these amazing, but endangered creatures wander, should join in the efforts of keeping  the Green Sea Turtle safe.

Reference: Illustrated Encyclopedia of endangered animals.