Asian Seabass

Lates calcarifer, commonly known as the barramundi, is a species of catadromous fish found in the Indo-West Pacific region. It has a deep, elongated body with a large mouth and a single dorsal fin. Its coloration is typically silver-gray with a white or yellowish belly. It is found in estuaries, lagoons, and coastal waters, and can live up to 15 years. The current population of Lates calcarifer is stable.

Name Origin: The scientific name of the organism, Lates calcarifer, is derived from the Latin words "lates" meaning "pike" and "calcarifer" meaning "spur-bearing". This is likely due to the organism's physical characteristics, which resemble those of a pike fish, with a long body and a spiny dorsal fin.

Related Species: Lates japonicus, Lates niloticus, Lates mariae, Lates microlepis, Lates stappersi

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Fish

Order: Pisces

Family: Perciformes

Genus: Lates

Species: Fish

Lates calcarifer lives in shallow coastal waters, usually in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms. They prefer warm waters and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are often found in estuaries, lagoons, and mangrove swamps. They are also found in coral reefs, where they can hide among the coral and rocks. They are a bottom-dwelling species, so they spend most of their time near the ocean floor. They are also known to form large schools, which can be seen swimming near the surface. Other animals that can be found in the same habitat include crabs, shrimp, and other fish species.

Native country: Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand.

Native continent: They are native to the continent of Asia, mainly found in countries such as India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Other organisms found in habitat: Sea grass, algae, crabs, shrimp, jellyfish, sea turtles, dolphins, fish

Appearance Summary: Lates calcarifer is a species of fish that is commonly known as the Asian seabass. It has a deep, laterally compressed body with a large head and a pointed snout. Its coloration is typically silvery-gray with a darker back and lighter belly. It has a large mouth with a protruding lower jaw and a single dorsal fin that runs the length of its body. It also has a forked tail and two pairs of long, pointed pectoral fins. It is a carnivorous species that feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Facial description: Lates calcarifer has a large, oblong head with a pointed snout and a large, slightly oblique mouth. Its eyes are small and located on the sides of its head. Its body is covered with large, thick scales and its fins are long and pointed. Its coloration is typically silvery-gray with a yellowish tinge.

What are the distinct features of Asian Seabass? Large, laterally compressed body, silvery-green coloration, large eyes, upturned mouth, long dorsal fin, long pectoral fins, long pelvic fins, long anal fin, large scales, no vocalizations, solitary or in small groups, migratory, feeds on plankton, benthic invertebrates, and small fishes

What makes them unique?

Asian Seabass body color description: Silver, blue, and yellow.

skin type: The exterior of Lates calcarifer is smooth and slimy, with a slightly rough texture. Its scales are small and thin, giving it a glossy, almost metallic look.

Strengths: Adaptability, Resilience, Ability to Reproduce Quickly, High Tolerance for Salinity, Ability to Survive in Low Oxygen Environments

Weaknesses: Susceptible to disease, Poor tolerance to low salinity, Poor tolerance to high temperatures, Poor tolerance to low oxygen levels, Poor tolerance to high turbidity

Lates calcarifer behavior summary: Lates calcarifer, commonly known as the barramundi, is a species of fish that is found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is an active predator, using its sharp teeth to feed on smaller fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is a strong swimmer, using its powerful tail to propel itself through the water. It is also capable of walking on land, using its pectoral fins to move around. To hide from predators, it will bury itself in the sand or mud, or hide among aquatic vegetation. It is a social species, often found in large schools, and is known to interact with other species in its environment.

How do they defend themselves? Lates calcarifer, commonly known as the barramundi, is a species of fish that defends itself from attacks by using its sharp spines and strong tail to deter predators. It also has a camouflaged coloration that helps it blend in with its environment.

How do Asian Seabass respond to stimuli in their environment? Vibrations, Visual Signals, Chemical Signals

How do Asian Seabass gather food? Lates calcarifer, commonly known as the barramundi, is a predatory fish that hunts by sight. It needs a clear, oxygen-rich environment to survive, and it typically feeds on smaller fish, crustaceans, and insects. The barramundi is an ambush predator, meaning it will hide in the shadows and wait for its prey to come close before attacking. It faces challenges such as competition for food, habitat destruction, and overfishing, which can all reduce its food supply.

How do Asian Seabass communicate in their environment? They use a variety of methods to communicate with other organisms, such as sound, visual signals, and chemical cues. They can also use their sense of smell to detect the presence of other organisms in the environment. They also use their sense of touch to detect the presence of other organisms in the water.

Examples: They use sound to communicate, they use visual cues to communicate, they use chemical cues to communicate

How does the Asian Seabass get territorial? Defend territory, Mark territory, Exclude intruders,

Diet Summary: Lates calcarifer primarily feeds on small crustaceans, mollusks, and plankton. It also consumes small fish, worms, and insects. Toxic and unhealthy foods for this organism include plastic and other debris, which can cause blockages in the digestive system.

Predators: Lates calcarifer, commonly known as the Asian seabass, is threatened by a variety of predators, including sharks, rays, and other large fish. Environmental changes, such as increased water temperatures, can also have a negative impact on the population growth of this species. Additionally, overfishing and habitat destruction can further reduce the population of this species.

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Overfishing, Disease, Predators (Sharks, Turtles, Seabirds, Fish)

Life cycle: Lates calcarifer reproduces by spawning, which is the release of eggs and sperm into the water. The eggs are fertilized externally and develop into larvae. The larvae then drift with the currents and eventually settle on the bottom of the ocean. Once settled, they undergo metamorphosis and become juveniles. As they mature, they move to deeper waters and eventually become adults. Adults migrate to shallow waters to spawn and the cycle begins again.

Average offspring size: 8.5 - 11.5 cm

Most common health issues: Respiratory distress, Cardiovascular disease, Gastrointestinal issues, Skin irritation, Allergic reactions

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Overfishing, Disease, Predators (Sharks, Turtles, Seabirds, Fish)

Common diseases that threaten the Asian Seabass population: Malaria, Diarrhea, Cholera, Typhoid, Schistosomiasis, Hookworm Infection, Roundworm Infection, Tapeworm Infection

Population: Lates calcarifer's population has been steadily decreasing since 2010, with the lowest population recorded in 2018. The population peaked in 2009, with a total of 1.2 million tonnes. From 2009 to 2010, the population decreased by 0.2 million tonnes. From 2010 to 2011, the population decreased by 0.3 million tonnes. From 2011 to 2012, the population decreased by 0.4 million tonnes. From 2012 to 2013, the population decreased by 0.5 million tonnes. From 2013 to 2014, the population decreased by 0.6 million tonnes. From 2014 to 2015, the population decreased by 0.7 million tonnes. From 2015 to 2016, the population decreased by 0.8 million tonnes. From 2016 to 2017, the population decreased by 0.9 million tonnes. From 2017 to 2018, the population decreased by 1 million tonnes.

How do Asian Seabass adapt to their environment Lates calcarifer, commonly known as the Asian seabass, is an adaptable fish species that can survive in a wide range of habitats. It is able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, salinities, and oxygen levels, allowing it to inhabit estuaries, coastal waters, and even open ocean environments. For example, in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, the Asian seabass is able to survive in both the freshwater and saltwater environments of the delta.

What's their social structure? Lates calcarifer, commonly known as the barramundi, is a species of fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. They are an apex predator, meaning they are at the top of the food chain and feed on smaller fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are a social species, living in large schools and interacting with their own species as well as other species. They are also known to form family groups, with the larger, older fish leading the school and the smaller, younger fish following. They are also known to form spawning aggregations, where they gather in large numbers to mate. This social hierarchy helps them to survive and thrive in their environment.

How would you describe their survival instincts? They have a variety of survival instincts that allow them to respond to their environment. They have a keen sense of smell and can detect changes in water temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels. They also have a lateral line system that allows them to detect vibrations in the water. They can also detect light and dark, allowing them to hide from predators or seek out food. They also have a strong sense of touch, allowing them to detect changes in the environment and respond accordingly.