Ammodytes personatus, commonly known as the sand launce, is a small fish species belonging to the Ammodytidae family. These fish are known for their elongated bodies, slender build, and characteristic pointed snouts.
Description & Characteristics
The Ammodytes personatus is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 15.0 cm. Their bodies are streamlined and elongated, with a distinctly pointed snout. The coloration of the sand launce is typically a silvery grey, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the sandy substrate they inhabit.
Habitat and Occurrence
Ammodytes personatus is a marine fish found in coastal waters and can be found in depths ranging from 0.0 to 172.0 meters. These fish prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, where they burrow into the sediment for protection and to ambush their prey. They are often found in the neritic zone, which encompasses the shallow waters along the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Ammodytes personatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Ammodytidae. The Perciformes order is a diverse group that includes a wide variety of fish species, and the Ammodytidae family encompasses the sand launce and its close relatives.
Feeding
Ammodytes personatus are carnivorous fish that primarily feed on small invertebrates, including zooplankton, crustaceans, and polychaete worms. They are ambush predators, using their pointed snout to probe the sand and sediment for potential prey items.
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