What are the three feeding modes observed in fishes?

1. Suspension Feeding:

- Filter feeders: These fish have specialized structures, such as long gill rakers or filtering mouthparts, that allow them to strain small food particles from the water column. Examples include anchovies, menhaden, and basking sharks.

- Sieve feeders: These fish have modified gill arches that act as sieves to capture small organisms, such as plankton, from the water. Examples include sardines and some herring species.

2. Substrate Feeding:

- Bottom feeders: These fish feed on organisms found on or near the bottom of aquatic environments. They may use their mouths or specialized structures to sift through sand or mud in search of food. Examples include catfish, flounder, and rays.

- Detritus feeders: These fish feed on organic matter, such as dead plant material and animal waste, that accumulates on the substrate. Examples include detritivores catfish and scavengers like the hagfish.

3. Active Foraging:

- Carnivores: These fish actively hunt and prey on other animals. They have sharp teeth and streamlined bodies that allow them to chase and capture their prey. Examples include tuna, sharks, and barracudas.

- Piscivores: These fish primarily feed on other fish. They use various techniques to catch their prey, such as ambushing, stalking, or schooling. Examples include trout, salmon, and pike.

- Omnivores: These fish have a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. They can switch their feeding mode based on the availability of food in their environment. Examples include tilapia, carp, and many cichlid species.

It's important to note that some fish may exhibit more than one feeding mode during different stages of their life cycle or depending on the availability of food sources. The variety of feeding mechanisms in fishes reflects the diverse adaptations that allow them to exploit different ecological niches and utilize available resources in their aquatic environments.