New Zealand blueback sprat
📖 Overview
A schooling species in coastal waters. The biology probably resembles that of S. muelleri from which it has not usually been distinguished in earlier studies. Tends to occur in the bottom or midwater except during summer when surface shoals may appear; extends to deeper water in summer and retreats to close inshore for spawning during winter . Reported from surface to 72 m .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 21; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 23; Vertebrae: 48 - 51. Upper jaw rounded and not notched on frontal view. Gill cover without bony radiating striae; tooth plate on tongue broad, almost oval, width about 3 times in length, lateral teeth strong; scales with fine radiating or horizontal striae on exposed posterior part; back steel blue when fresh. Pterotic bulla absent. Last two anal rays normal.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for New Zealand blueback sprat is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-neritic; depth range 0 - 72 m . Subtropical; 37°S - 48°S, 166°E - 180°E Southwest Pacific: New Zealand.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | New Zealand blueback sprat · New Zealand herring · New Zealand sprat |
| 🌍CES | šprot novozélandský |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Blårygget brisling |
| 🌍MRI | Kupae |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Новозеландский шпрот |
| 🇸🇪Swedish | Nyazeländsk skarpsill |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clupea antipodum | Hector | 1872 | Synonym |
| Clupea holodon | Regan | 1916 | Synonym |
| Clupea spratttus antipodarum | Hector | 1872 | Synonym |
| Clupea sprattus antipodum | Hector | 1872 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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