Moustached thryssa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moustached thryssa |
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| Thryssa mystax | |
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The moustached thryssa (scientific name: Thryssa mystax), also known as the Gangetic anchovy, is a type of ray-finned fish that lives in the ocean. It belongs to the Engraulidae family, which are commonly known as anchovies. This fish is found in warm, tropical waters in the western Indo-Pacific region.
About the Moustached Thryssa
Where It Lives
The moustached thryssa lives in the tropical parts of the western Indo-Pacific. You can find it from India and Sri Lanka all the way to Myanmar. It also lives south of these areas, near Java and other parts of Indonesia. This fish is an oceanodromous species, meaning it travels long distances within the ocean.
It is a small fish that likes to swim in large groups called schools. They usually live in waters up to 50 meters (about 164 feet) deep.
What It Looks Like
The moustached thryssa is a small fish. It usually grows to a maximum length of about 15.5 centimeters (about 6 inches).
Here are some of its features:
- It has 11 to 12 soft rays on its dorsal fin (the fin on its back).
- It has 29 to 37 soft rays on its anal fin (the fin on its belly, near the tail).
- Its belly has 24 to 32 special bony plates called keeled scutes. These run from its throat area to its anus.
- The lower parts of its gill rakers (structures that help it filter food from water) have a saw-like edge.
- Its body is mostly silver, but it is darker on its back.
- A special dark blotch is found behind the upper part of its gill opening. This mark helps tell it apart from other types of Thryssa fish.
- Its tail fin is yellowish.
What It Eats
The moustached thryssa is a filter feeder. It eats very small organisms found in the water. Its diet mainly includes:
- Plankton: Tiny plants and animals that float in the water.
- Fish larvae: Baby fish that have just hatched.
- Small crustaceans: Such as tiny shrimp larvae.
