Opisthonema: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:05, 15 February 2025

Opisthonema[edit]

Opisthonema is a genus of ray-finned fish in the family Clupeidae, commonly known as herrings. This genus is notable for its species that inhabit the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Description[edit]

Members of the genus Opisthonema are characterized by their elongated bodies and distinctive thread-like extensions of the dorsal fin, which is a feature that gives them their common name, "thread herrings." These fish typically have a silvery appearance with a bluish or greenish tint on their dorsal side, which helps them blend into their aquatic environment.

Habitat and Distribution[edit]

Opisthonema species are primarily found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They are commonly found in coastal waters, often forming large schools. These fish are pelagic, meaning they inhabit the water column rather than the sea floor.

Species[edit]

The genus Opisthonema includes several species, with the most well-known being:

Opisthonema oglinum - Commonly known as the Atlantic thread herring, this species is found along the western Atlantic coast from the United States to Brazil.
Opisthonema libertate - Found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from California to Peru.
Opisthonema medirastre - Also found in the eastern Pacific, with a range similar to O. libertate.

Ecology[edit]

Opisthonema species play a significant role in the marine ecosystem as both prey and predator. They feed on plankton, including zooplankton and phytoplankton, and are an important food source for larger predatory fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Importance to Humans[edit]

These fish are of commercial importance in some regions, where they are caught for use as bait in fishing or for direct human consumption. They are also used in the production of fish meal and oil.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Opisthonema''' is a genus of fish in the family [[Clupeidae]], commonly known as [[herring]]. This genus is native to the warmer waters of the [[Atlantic Ocean]], the [[Pacific Ocean]], and the [[Caribbean Sea]]. The species within this genus are small to medium-sized fish, typically characterized by their silver color and streamlined bodies.
+== Opisthonema ==
-== Species ==
+[[File:Opisthonema_oglinum.jpg|thumb|right|Opisthonema oglinum, commonly known as the Atlantic thread herring]]
-There are currently four recognized species in this genus:
-* [[Opisthonema berlangai]]
+'''Opisthonema''' is a genus of [[ray-finned fish]] in the family [[Clupeidae]], commonly known as herrings. This genus is notable for its species that inhabit the coastal waters of the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and the [[Pacific Ocean]].
-* [[Opisthonema bulleri]]
-* [[Opisthonema libertate]]
-* [[Opisthonema oglinum]]
 == Description ==
-Species of the genus Opisthonema are small to medium-sized fish, typically reaching lengths of 15 to 30 centimeters. They are characterized by their silver color and streamlined bodies, which are adapted for fast swimming. They have a single dorsal fin and a deeply forked tail fin. The mouth is relatively small, and the eyes are large and covered with a transparent membrane.
+Members of the genus Opisthonema are characterized by their elongated bodies and distinctive thread-like extensions of the dorsal fin, which is a feature that gives them their common name, "thread herrings." These fish typically have a silvery appearance with a bluish or greenish tint on their dorsal side, which helps them blend into their aquatic environment.
 == Habitat and Distribution ==
-Opisthonema species are native to the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. They are typically found in coastal waters, often forming large schools near the surface. They are also known to inhabit brackish waters, such as estuaries and lagoons.
-== Diet ==
+Opisthonema species are primarily found in the [[tropical]] and [[subtropical]] regions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They are commonly found in coastal waters, often forming large schools. These fish are pelagic, meaning they inhabit the water column rather than the sea floor.
-Opisthonema species are primarily [[planktivorous]], feeding on a diet of [[plankton]]. They are known to feed on both phytoplankton and zooplankton, as well as small crustaceans and fish larvae.
+== Species ==
+The genus Opisthonema includes several species, with the most well-known being:
+* '''[[Opisthonema oglinum]]''' - Commonly known as the Atlantic thread herring, this species is found along the western Atlantic coast from the United States to Brazil.
+* '''Opisthonema libertate''' - Found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from California to Peru.
+* '''Opisthonema medirastre''' - Also found in the eastern Pacific, with a range similar to O. libertate.
+== Ecology ==
+Opisthonema species play a significant role in the marine ecosystem as both prey and predator. They feed on [[plankton]], including [[zooplankton]] and [[phytoplankton]], and are an important food source for larger predatory fish, [[seabirds]], and marine mammals.
+== Importance to Humans ==
+These fish are of commercial importance in some regions, where they are caught for use as bait in [[fishing]] or for direct human consumption. They are also used in the production of fish meal and oil.
-== Economic Importance ==
+== Related Pages ==
-Species of the genus Opisthonema are of significant economic importance, particularly in regions such as Central America and the Caribbean. They are commonly harvested for their meat, which is consumed fresh or processed into products such as canned fish and fish meal. They are also used as bait in commercial and recreational fisheries.
-== Conservation Status ==
+* [[Clupeidae]]
-While some species of Opisthonema are abundant and not currently considered at risk, others are less common and may be vulnerable to overfishing. Conservation efforts for these species typically focus on sustainable fishing practices and habitat protection.
+* [[Ray-finned fish]]
+* [[Pelagic fish]]
-[[Category:Fish]]
 [[Category:Clupeidae]]
-[[Category:Marine fauna of the Atlantic Ocean]]
+[[Category:Ray-finned fish]]
-[[Category:Marine fauna of the Pacific Ocean]]
+[[Category:Pelagic fish]]
-[[Category:Marine fauna of the Caribbean Sea]]
-{{fish-stub}}
-{{food-stub}}