South American Pilchard [Sardinops sagax sagax]
Description
South American Pilchards are a subspecies of the Pacific Sardine. They have similar physical features including a blue-green back and a silver belly. They are usually found in the Southeast Pacific Ocean and their diet also consists mainly of plankton. They are a crucial part of the marine food chain and also contribute significantly to commercial fishing.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Herrings and Anchovies
Clupeiformes
|
| Family |
Herrings and Sardines
Clupeidae
|
| Genus |
Sardines
Sardinops
|