Wolf Herring [Chirocentrus]
Description
The genus Chirocentrus, commonly known as Wolf Herrings, belongs to the family Chirocentridae. This genus comprises marine fish known for their elongated bodies, large mouths filled with sharp, fang-like teeth, and predominantly silvery coloration, which helps them blend into their open water habitats. Wolf Herrings are fast and agile swimmers, primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa, through southern Asia, to northern Australia. They are predatory fish, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans. Wolf Herrings are of moderate commercial importance in some regions, where they are caught for their meat. Despite their fearsome appearance, they are not generally considered dangerous to humans unless provoked. The genus is distinguished by its unique dental arrangement and the absence of a lateral line, a sensory organ common in many other fish.
Species
West African Wolf Herring [Chirocentrus westafricanus]
View DetailsTaxonomy
Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
---|---|
Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
Order |
Herrings and Anchovies
Clupeiformes
|
Family |
Wolf Herrings
Chirocentridae
|
Statistics
- Species 1