Anchoa hepsetus is a species of fish belonging to the family Engraulidae, commonly known as anchovies. This species is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 15.3 centimeters. They are found in a variety of marine environments, inhabiting depths ranging from 1.0 to 70.0 meters.
Description & Characteristics
Anchoa hepsetus is characterized by its slender, elongated body with a slightly compressed head. It possesses a large mouth with a prominent lower jaw that extends beyond the upper jaw. The fish’s body is covered in small, cycloid scales, and it has a single dorsal fin positioned towards the rear of the body. The overall coloration of Anchoa hepsetus is typically silvery-grey, with a darker back and a lighter underside.
Habitat and Occurrence
Anchoa hepsetus is a marine species that is found in a variety of habitats. These fish prefer shallow, coastal waters, and are commonly found in estuaries, bays, and inlets. They are also known to inhabit the neritic zone, which extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. The species can tolerate a wide range of salinities, which allows them to thrive in both brackish and fully marine waters.
Taxonomy
Anchoa hepsetus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Clupeiformes, and Family: Engraulidae. The Teleostei is a large and diverse group of ray-finned fishes, comprising about 20,000 species. The Clupeiformes, or herring-like fishes, are characterized by their streamlined bodies, small scales, and typically lack spines in their fins. The Engraulidae, or anchovies, are a family of small, schooling fish that are widely distributed throughout the world’s oceans.
Feeding
Anchoa hepsetus is a zooplanktivore, primarily feeding on small crustaceans, copepods, and other invertebrates. They are known to be active feeders, often forming large schools that swim in a coordinated manner to capture their prey.
Image References