SPECIES INFO
Northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) is found from Briish Columbia south to southern California and further south along Baja California. This anchovy can be found in schools either near or distant from shores. Although the record is near 9 inches, this anchovy is usually about 7 inches maximum in length. This species is important food for marine fish, marine birds, and even marine mammals. This is also commercially hunted for bait fish, its oil, and for grinding into fish meal.The anchovies are found worldwide, but are more common in warm and tropical waters. There are about 100 species in the family. These are usually long snouted small fragile fish that usually do not exceed 4 inches in length. Migdalski warns there have been numerous name changes in this family.
The herring order (Clupeiformes) is found worldwide in marine environments. Several species are found in freshwater. The anchovies (Engraulidae), the wolf herrings (Chirocentridae), and the typical herrings (Clupeidae) belong here.
Bony fish, Class Teleostomi, are a class of chordates that include the majority of fish-like animals found on earth. They are characterized by a bony jaw and a bony skeleton. They are found in both fresh and marine waters.
Backboned Animals (Phylum Chordata) are the most advanced group of animals on earth. These animals are characterized by having a spinal cord or backbone. Most members have a clearly defined brain that controls the organism through a spinal cord. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are in this phylum.
Currently, some taxonomists believe that the fish should be divided into two groups (sharks and regular fishes) and that there are some other primitive groups in the phylum such as hagfish or lampreys.
Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
