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Ammodytes hexapterus Pallas, 1814
Pacific Sand Lance
Family: Ammodytidae
Introduction to the Fish

Photograph

© Susannah Anderson     (Photo ID #6658)

Map

Source: Distribution of Ammodytes hexapterus as compiled by Aquamaps

Species Information

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 58 - 63; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 28 - 31; Vertebrae: 68 - 72. Resembles A personatus in body shape but distinguished by its numerous dorsal fin rays (58 to 63 against 55 to 59) an vertebrae (68 against 67), and larger eyes. Lateral plicae 144 to 161.

Source: FishBase. Eschmeyer, W.N., E.S. Herald and H Hammann. 1983 . (Ref. 2850) .

Biology

Species Biology

May occur in large schools near the surface both inshore and offshore, but also buries itself in sand (Ref. 2850). Inshore, found from intertidal to subtidal areas (Ref. 2850). Offshore, found near the surface over deep water (Ref. 2850). Benthic (Ref. 58426). Juveniles and adults feed on zooplankton (Ref. 28499). benthopelagic; oceanodromous (Ref. 51243); brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 275 m (Ref. 58426), usually 30 - 100 m (Ref. 56557). Temperate climate.

Source: FishBase. Eschmeyer, W.N., E.S. Herald and H Hammann. 1983 . (Ref. 2850) .

Distribution

Distribution

Arctic, Northwest to Northeast Pacific: Arctic Alaska to the Sea of Japan and Balboa Island, southern California, USA. Western Atlantic: northern Quebec, Canada to North Carolina, USA. The Arctic and Pacific populations may be a separate species, distinct from the Atlantic populations (Ref. 7251).

Source: FishBase. Eschmeyer, W.N., E.S. Herald and H Hammann. 1983 . (Ref. 2850) .

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
NativeSNRNo StatusNot Listed



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Additional Range and Status Information Links

NatureServe Explorer
 University of Alaska Museum

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