Atherinomorus forskalii, commonly known as the is a small, silvery fish belonging to the family Atherinidae. This species is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical waters, playing a significant role in marine ecosystems.
Description & Characteristics
Atherinomorus forskalii is a slender, streamlined fish with a slightly compressed body. It typically reaches a maximum size of 13.3 cm. Its body is covered in small, cycloid scales, giving it a silvery appearance. The dorsal fin is located in the middle of the body, and the anal fin is positioned behind it. The mouth is small and terminal, equipped with minute teeth suitable for filter-feeding.
Habitat and Occurrence
Atherinomorus forskalii is a coastal species that prefers shallow, inshore waters. It is commonly found in estuaries, lagoons, and reefs. The species exhibits a wide distribution, occurring in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and the East African coast to the Pacific Ocean. This species is particularly common in the neritic zone, which encompasses the coastal waters extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Atherinomorus forskalii belongs to the family Atherinidae, which is part of the order Atheriniformes. This order encompasses a diverse group of fishes characterized by their slender bodies and generally small size. Atheriniformes belong to the Class Teleostei, which represents the vast majority of bony fishes found worldwide.
Feeding
Atherinomorus forskalii is a primarily planktivorous species. Its diet consists mainly of zooplankton, small crustaceans, and other microscopic organisms. They are filter feeders, using their specialized gill rakers to strain small food particles from the water column. The species plays an important role in the food web, contributing to the flow of energy within marine ecosystems.
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