Clupeiformes
The anchovies and herrings group is a large group of mainly marine fish. There are about 397 species in 6 families. These are small to large sized fish that often travel in large schools. Many species are very important to humans as a source of food, some species form the basis for large, commercial fishing industries.
Contributors
Tanya Dewey (author), Animal Diversity Web.
Glossary
- bilateral symmetry
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having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.
- chemical
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uses smells or other chemicals to communicate
- motile
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having the capacity to move from one place to another.
- natatorial
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specialized for swimming
- tactile
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uses touch to communicate