Anchovy

Engraulis mordax

I found this on http://animaldiversity.org

Domain-  Eukarya

Kingdom-  Animalia

Phylum- Chordata

Class-  Actinopterygii

Order- Clupeiformes

Family-Engraulidae

Genus- Engraulis

Species- mordax

  

Habitat- Is a species that favors areas of coastal upwelling. Can tolerate temperatures from 8 to 25 degrees Celsius.

They have bilateral symmetry, are heterotrophic, and are ectothermic. Are small, slightly compressed and have large inferior mouths. Are shiny silver along the ventral surface. They use their swim bladders to float and swim. Anchovies will form large schools to defend themselves and search for prey. Will use their lateral line to sense their environment. A known fact is that anchovies will live from 4 to 7 years of age.  Anchovies feed on krill, copepods, and decapod  larvae. Their predators are a wide variety of fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.