Odontognathus

Odontognathus is a genus of fish in the family Clupeidae, commonly known as herrings. The genus is characterized by its unique dentition, with a single row of sharp, conical teeth on the lower jaw, hence the name Odontognathus, which translates to "tooth jaw" in Greek.

Taxonomy

The genus Odontognathus was first described by the French zoologist Achille Valenciennes in 1847. It is classified under the family Clupeidae, which includes other commercially important fish such as herrings, shads, and sardines.

Species

There are currently two recognized species in this genus:

• Odontognathus compressus (Valenciennes, 1847)
• Odontognathus mucronatus (Lütken, 1883)

Distribution and Habitat

Odontognathus species are found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. They are pelagic fish, meaning they live in the open ocean rather than near the coast. They are typically found in deeper waters, although they may move to shallower areas to feed or spawn.

Biology and Ecology

Like other members of the Clupeidae family, Odontognathus species are schooling fish. They feed primarily on plankton, small crustaceans, and fish larvae. Little is known about their reproductive habits, but it is believed that they spawn in open water, with the eggs and larvae being planktonic.

Economic Importance

While not as commercially important as other members of the Clupeidae family, Odontognathus species are occasionally caught and sold in local markets. They are typically used for human consumption, either fresh or dried and salted.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Odontognathus species is currently unknown, due to a lack of data. However, like all marine species, they are potentially threatened by overfishing and habitat degradation.

See Also

• List of fish in the Atlantic Ocean
• Clupeidae