Anchoa nasus, commonly known as the Anchoa nasus, is a species of fish belonging to the family Engraulidae. This species is a small-bodied fish, reaching a maximum size of 17.0 cm. It inhabits a wide range of depths, from the surface to a maximum of 142.0 meters.
Description & Characteristics
The Anchoa nasus is characterized by its slender, elongated body and a pointed snout. It has a silvery-blue back, a silvery-white belly, and a dark lateral stripe running along its side. The fish’s eyes are relatively large, and its mouth is small and slightly upturned. It is a swift swimmer, often forming large schools.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Anchoa nasus is a common inhabitant of the neritic zone, a marine ecosystem that encompasses the waters bordering continents and islands. This species is typically found in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, particularly those with a sandy or muddy bottom. Its depth range spans from the surface to a maximum of 142.0 meters, showcasing its adaptability to various water depths.
Taxonomy
The species Anchoa nasus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Clupeiformes, and Family: Engraulidae. This classification places it within the diverse group of ray-finned fishes, commonly known as bony fishes. The order Clupeiformes encompasses a wide range of species, including herrings, sardines, and anchovies, which are all characterized by their streamlined bodies and silvery scales. The family Engraulidae, to which Anchoa nasus belongs, encompasses the anchovies, a group of small, silvery fish known for their schooling behavior and importance in marine food webs.
Feeding
The Anchoa nasus is a filter-feeding fish, primarily consuming zooplankton, small crustaceans, and algae. It utilizes its gill rakers, comb-like structures inside its gills, to strain food particles from the water. This feeding strategy makes Anchoa nasus a crucial link in the marine food web, supporting larger fish and marine mammals that prey on it.
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