Silver-stripe round herring

XRF-Spratelloides gracilis

Kibinago sashimi by jetalone in Kagoshima

Kibinago sashimi with chopsticks by jetalone in Kagoshima

Grilled kibinago by jetalone in Yakushima

The silver-stripe round herring (Jenkinsia lamprotaenia) is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Clupeidae. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. This species is known for its distinctive silver stripe that runs along the length of its body.

Description

The silver-stripe round herring has a slender, elongated body that can grow up to 15 cm in length. Its most notable feature is the bright silver stripe that extends from the gill cover to the base of the tail. The body is generally translucent with a bluish tint on the dorsal side. The fins are small and delicate, with the dorsal fin located midway along the body.

Habitat

This species is typically found in coastal waters, often forming large schools. It prefers shallow waters but can also be found at depths of up to 50 meters. The silver-stripe round herring is commonly found near coral reefs and seagrass beds, where it feeds on plankton and small crustaceans.

Behavior

Silver-stripe round herrings are known for their schooling behavior, which provides protection against predators. They are primarily filter feeders, using their gill rakers to strain plankton from the water. This species is also known to undertake diel vertical migrations, moving to deeper waters during the day and ascending to the surface at night to feed.

Reproduction

The reproductive habits of the silver-stripe round herring are not well-documented. However, like other members of the Clupeidae family, they are likely to be broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs externally.

Importance to Humans

While not a major target for commercial fisheries, the silver-stripe round herring is sometimes caught as bycatch. It is also used as bait in some regions. The species plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as a prey item for larger fish, birds, and marine mammals.

Conservation Status

The silver-stripe round herring is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). There are no major threats identified for this species, and it is considered to have a stable population.

Related Pages

• Clupeidae
• Ray-finned fish
• Plankton
• Coral reef
• Gulf of Mexico
• Caribbean Sea

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