Blackmargin dartfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blackmargin dartfish |
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The Parioglossus marginalis, also known as the blackmargin dartfish, is a small and interesting species of dartfish. These fish are found in brackish waters. This means they live in water that is a mix of fresh and salt water.
About the Blackmargin Dartfish
The blackmargin dartfish is a tiny fish. It can grow up to about 3.3 centimeters (or 1.3 inches) long. That's about the length of your thumb! It gets its common name, "blackmargin dartfish," from its appearance.
Where it Lives
This dartfish is native to the coastal areas of New South Wales, Australia. You can also find it around the northern part of the North Island and Great Barrier Island in New Zealand. Scientists think that this fish might have arrived in New Zealand from Australia. It could have traveled there in the ballast water of ships. Ballast water is water that ships take in to help them stay stable.
What it Looks Like
The blackmargin dartfish is a slender fish. It has a streamlined body shape. This shape helps it move quickly through the water. Its small size allows it to live in shallow, brackish areas. These areas are often found near river mouths or estuaries.
Scientific Names
Scientists use special names for animals and plants. The scientific name for the blackmargin dartfish is Parioglossus marginalis. This name helps scientists all over the world know exactly which fish they are talking about. Sometimes, scientists discover that fish thought to be different species are actually the same. For example, some think that a fish from New Caledonia, Parioglossus neoclaedonicus, might be the same as P. marginalis. Also, a fish from the Caroline Islands, Parioglossus verticalis, might also be the same. To figure this out for sure, scientists need to do more studies. They often use DNA tests to compare the fish.
