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Kustodiat za Vretenčarje Vertebrate Department |
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FISHES In terms of their development, fishes are the oldest and by far the species richest group of vertebrates. Today, more than 24,000 fish species are known. Their bodies are for the most part of hydrodynamic shape, covered by scales, with fins and gills, and their body temperature largely depends upon the environment in which they live. They adapted to life in most diverse water environments: from sea depths to coastal shoals, rivers, lakes, marshes, even hot spas, cave waters, montane lakes and streams, desert springs, etc. They are endangered particularly due to habitat destruction, overfishing, water pollution and introduction of nonindigenous species.
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