ALOSA SAPOSCHNIKOWII Meaning and
Definition
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Alosa saposchnikowii, also known as the Caspian kutum or Caspian white fish, is a species of fish belonging to the family Clupeidae. It is predominantly found in the Caspian Sea, which is bordered by several countries including Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan.
The Caspian kutum is a medium-sized fish, reaching an average length of about 40-50 centimeters. It has a slender body with a silvery appearance and a slightly forked tail. The species is known for its migratory behavior, moving from the Caspian Sea to various rivers for spawning during the spring season.
In terms of diet, Alosa saposchnikowii is a predatory fish that primarily feeds on small crustaceans, zooplankton, and other smaller fish species. Due to overfishing and habitat degradation, the population of Caspian kutum has been declining, making it a species of conservation concern.
The ecological role of Alosa saposchnikowii is significant as it serves as an important prey species for larger predators in the Caspian Sea ecosystem. Moreover, it also serves as a food source for local communities, and its economic value has made it a target for commercial fishing. Efforts are being made to sustainably manage and conserve the Caspian kutum population to ensure their future survival.
Etymology of ALOSA SAPOSCHNIKOWII
The word "Alosa saposchnikowii" is a scientific name used to refer to a specific species of fish, often known as the Sakhalin shad.
The etymology of this scientific name traces back to two components:
1. Alosa: "Alosa" is the genus name to which this fish species belongs. It originates from the Latin word "alosa", which was used to refer to another species of fish, the shad.
2. Saposchnikowii: The specific epithet "saposchnikowii" is a Latinized form of the surname of Nikolay Spiridonovich Sazhin-Saposchnikow, a Russian ichthyologist who studied fish in the early 20th century. The suffix "-ii" is added to indicate that it honors an individual.
