Predatory fish arehypercarnivorousfish that activelyprey upon other fish oraquatic animals, with examples includingshark,billfish,barracuda,alligator gar,tuna,dolphinfish,walleye,perch andsalmon. Someomnivorous fish, such as thered-bellied piranha, can occasionally also be predatory, although they are not strictly regarded asobligately predatory fish.
Populations of large predatory fish in theglobal oceans were estimated to be about 10% of theirpre-industrial levels by 2003,[1] and they are most at risk ofextinction; there was a disproportionate level of large predatory fish extinctions during theCretaceous–Paleogene extinction event 66 million years ago.[2] Creation ofmarine reserves has been found to restore populations of large predatory fish such as theSerranidae —groupers andsea bass.[3]
Predatory fish switch between types of prey in response to variations in their abundance. Such changes in preference are disproportionate and are selected for as evolutionarily efficient.[4] Predatory fish may become apest if they are introduced into anecosystem in which they become a newtop predator. An example, which has caused much trouble inMaryland andFlorida, is thesnakehead fish.[5]
Predatory fish such assharks,billfish,alligator gar andtuna form a part of thehuman diet and are targeted byfisheries, but they tend to concentrate significant quantities ofmercuryin their bodies because they are high in thefood chain, especially asapex predators, due tobiomagnification.[6]
Predators are an important factor to consider in managing fisheries, and methods for doing so are available and used in some places.[7]
Additionally, the existence of these predators also allows its prey toevolvecountermeasures throughnatural selection. Consequently, the predators and prey will be locked in anevolutionary arms race, each looking to gain the upper hand on the other. The presence of fish predators play a large role in the size, shape and swimming performance of theLithobates clamitanstadpoles. The presence of these predators in their habitat causes the tadpoles to develop small bodies and large tail muscles in order to escape from their predators quicker and more efficiently.
Some predatory fish, such aslamnid sharks, billfishes, tuna,opah andbutterfly kingfish, have the ability for cranial endothermy, i.e., the ability to elevateeye andbrain temperatures, which helps with vision and neural function during ambient temperature changes.[8]
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