Piscivores

Piscivores are animals whose primary or exclusive diet consists of fish. The term is used across multiple vertebrate groups and sometimes reflects ecological distinctions such as specialists versus generalists.

Piscivory spans birds (for example ospreys, kingfishers, and herons), mammals (seals, sea lions, otters, dolphins, and orcas), reptiles (certain crocodilians), and many predatory fish (such as pike and barracuda). Some species specialize on schooling fish, while others take a variety of fish depending on availability and habitat.

Adaptations associated with piscivory include keen eyesight, streamlined bodies, and feeding structures such as sharp teeth or beaks. Many predators employ techniques like plunge diving, surface striking, or echolocation in dolphins and whales to detect and capture prey beneath the surface.

Ecological role: Piscivores are key predators in aquatic ecosystems, transferring energy from fish to higher trophic levels. Their feeding pressure can influence fish populations, schooling behavior, and, in some cases, the structure of local communities, contributing to overall ecosystem dynamics.

Conservation and threats: Many piscivores face challenges from overfishing of prey species, habitat degradation, pollution, and climate-driven shifts in prey distribution. Some populations are protected by law, and ecosystem-based management aims to preserve predator–prey balance and the health of aquatic ecosystems.