How Do You Spell ALOSA VOLGENSIS?

Pronunciation: [ɐlˈə͡ʊsə vˈɒld͡ʒənsˌɪs] (IPA)

"Alosa volgensis" is a species of fish commonly known as the Volga shad. In terms of spelling, "Alosa" is pronounced uh-LOH-suh and "volgensis" is pronounced vohl-JEN-sis. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word makes it easier to understand the correct pronunciation of each syllable. Accurate spelling, pronunciation, and definition of scientific names are important in the scientific community as they ensure clear communication and avoid confusion.

ALOSA VOLGENSIS Meaning and Definition

  1. Alosa volgensis is a species of fish belonging to the herring family Clupeidae. Commonly known as the Volga shad, it has a slender and elongated body, typically reaching a length between 25 and 30 cm. This species is found exclusively in the Caspian Sea and its tributaries, particularly the Volga River, from where it derives its common name.

    The Volga shad has a streamlined shape, with a silvery coloration on its sides and a darker shade on its back. It possesses a single dorsal fin, positioned posteriorly, and a forked tail that aids it in swimming swiftly through the water.

    This fish species is an anadromous species, meaning it moves from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. Alosa volgensis usually migrates upstream the Volga River during springtime, traveling many kilometers against the current to reach spawning grounds in freshwater. The fish then spawns in shallow river sections with sandy or rocky beds.

    As for its diet, the Volga shad predominantly feeds on plankton and small aquatic invertebrates, filtering them through its gill rakers as it swims. Its abundance in the Caspian Sea and Volga River makes it an economically important commercial fish, with targeted fishing occurring throughout its range.

    However, Alosa volgensis faces various threats, including overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution. Conservation efforts are being made to ensure its sustainable management and protection, while also maintaining the species' ecological role in the ecosystem.

Etymology of ALOSA VOLGENSIS

The word "Alosa volgensis" is a taxonomic name given to a specific species of fish. In taxonomic nomenclature, the etymology of a species name typically reflects its geographic origin or honors a person or institution related to its discovery or study.

In the case of "Alosa volgensis", the genus name "Alosa" comes from the Latin word "alosa", meaning shad, which is a type of fish. The species epithet "volgensis" refers to the Volga River, the largest river in Europe, where this particular species of fish is found.

Therefore, "Alosa volgensis" can be understood to mean the shad species found in the Volga River.