The Round Sardinella (Sardinella aurita) is a species of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Dorosomatidae. This species is commonly found in various regions of the world, primarily inhabiting marine and brackish water environments. The Round Sardinella is a relatively small fish, typically reaching a maximum size of 41.0 cm. It is known for its streamlined body shape, which enables efficient swimming, particularly in open waters.
Description & Characteristics
The Round Sardinella (Sardinella aurita) is a relatively small, slender fish with a slightly compressed body shape. Its dorsal fin is positioned closer to the tail than the head. The fish has a silvery-grey color with a darker back and a white belly. The scales are small and cycloid, meaning they are smooth and circular. The mouth is small and terminal, meaning it’s at the end of the snout, and it contains small, fine teeth. They also possess a distinctive feature: a series of dark spots along the lateral line. This unique characteristic aids in distinguishing the Round Sardinella (Sardinella aurita) from similar species.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Round Sardinella (Sardinella aurita) is a widely distributed species found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. It is known to inhabit both marine and brackish water environments, with a depth range that extends from the surface down to 350 meters. The Round Sardinella (Sardinella aurita) typically occurs in areas with high productivity, where it can easily find food. This species is often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and lagoons, and it is sometimes found in large schools. The species’ prevalence in these marine zones makes it a significant element in the ecosystems it inhabits.
Taxonomy
The species Sardinella aurita belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Clupeiformes, and Family: Dorosomatidae. This classification places the Round Sardinella in the same family as other popular fish species like the shad and the gizzard shad. The Round Sardinella (Sardinella aurita) is considered a highly commercially valuable fish, making it a significant target for fisheries in several regions.
Feeding
The Round Sardinella (Sardinella aurita) is a planktivore, meaning it primarily feeds on plankton. Its diet consists mainly of phytoplankton and zooplankton, which it filters from the water column. The Round Sardinella (Sardinella aurita) plays a crucial role in the marine food web by converting primary producers into energy that can be passed on to larger predators.
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