ALOSA KESSLERI Meaning and
Definition
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Alosa kessleri, commonly known as the Volga herring or Caspian herring, is a species of fish belonging to the Clupeidae family. It is native to the Caspian Sea and its surrounding rivers, particularly the Volga River in Russia.
The Volga herring is a small to medium-sized fish with a streamlined body, measuring about 20-25 centimeters in length on average. It has a silvery coloration with dark blue-greenish upper sides and a white belly. Its body shape is elongated and slender, well adapted for its pelagic habitat.
This species is an anadromous fish, meaning it migrates between saltwater and freshwater for spawning purposes. During the breeding season, adults swim upstream to freshwater rivers where they lay their eggs. After hatching, the larvae drift downstream towards the sea, where they grow and mature.
The Volga herring is a highly valuable commercial fish, known for its excellent taste and high nutritional content. It forms a significant part of the local fisheries in the Caspian Sea region, providing an important food source for both humans and other marine predators. It is often caught using fishing nets and traps, or harvested during its spawning migration. Conservation efforts are being implemented to maintain sustainable fishing practices and protect this species' population from overexploitation.
In conclusion, Alosa kessleri, commonly known as the Volga herring or Caspian herring, is a small to medium-sized fish found in the Caspian Sea and its surrounding rivers. It is known for its migratory behavior, commercial value, and its importance in local fisheries.
Etymology of ALOSA KESSLERI
The word "Alosa kessleri" is the scientific name for a species of fish known as the Volga shad or the Caspian shad. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Alosa: The genus name "Alosa" originates from the Latin word "alosa", which means "shad". This term has been used for various species of fish in the shad family.
2. Kessleri: The species name "kessleri" is given in honor of Johann Friedrich von Kessler, a German zoologist who studied the fishes of the Caspian Sea region during the 19th century.
Therefore, the word "Alosa kessleri" essentially means "Kessler's shad", named after the prominent German zoologist Johann Friedrich von Kessler.
