Grass Pickerel - BIO 210 Species Study
Classification and Phylogeny
Latin Meaning: Esox americanus vermiculatus is the scientific name for the Grass Pickerel. The Latin meaning of Esox americanus vermiculatus translates to "toothy rascal". The first part of the name, Esox, means pike, while americanus, simply means from America, and vermiculatus, is understood as meaning the fish has wavy bars for color scheme. (Encyclopedia of Life)
Domain: Eukarya
The domain Eukarya is characterized as having both a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. The Grass Pickerel shares both of these defining characteristic with this group. (Encyclopedia of Life)
Kingdom: Animalia
The kingdom Animalia is characterized by multi-cellularity and predation; both are exhibited by the Grass Pickerel considering it is in fact, an animal. (Encyclopedia of Life)
Phylum: Chordata
The phylum Chordata is characterized as the vertebrate group, which includes fish. The Grass Pickerel species exhibits a strictly aquatic form as well, another characteristic often found in this phylum. (Encyclopedia of Life)
Class: Actinopterygii
The class Actinopterygii is largely represented as the group of "ray-finned" fishes. The Grass Pickerel, upon appearance, exhibits spiny fins attached in a web-like structure which classifies them as "ray-finned" fishes. (Encyclopedia of Life)
Order: Esociformes
The order Esociformes can be characterized as freshwater, "ray-finned" fishes; both are prevalent characteristics of the Grass Pickerel.
Family: Esocidae
The family Esocidae can be characterized as the family of pike fishes. The Grass Pickerel proves one of the smallest members of this family.
Genus: Esox
The genus Esox is characterized by features of a "torpedo" body and various shades of green coloration with stripes depending on the stage of life at which the fish is developed into.
Species: Esox americanus