Latin name

Ammodytes hexapterus

Other name

Ammodytes hexapterus

Identification

The body shape of the Pacific sand lance is elongated. Scales do not cover the entire back of the fish before the base of the dorsal fin, in the middle of this area is a "bare" strip. There are 144 to 161 transverse folds. They have 68 to 72 vertebrae. The fish resembles Personatus in body shape, but differs in having more dorsal fin rays (58-63 vs. 55-59), vertebrae (68 vs. 67), and larger eyes.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 58 - 63; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 28 - 31.

Fish colouring

The body coloration of the Pacific sand lance is blue-green with silver on the flanks and belly.

Distribution

This fish species is distributed in the Arctic, from the northwest to the northeast Pacific Ocean: from Arctic Alaska to the Sea of Japan and Balboa Island, Southern California, USA. Western Atlantic: from northern Quebec, Canada, to North Carolina, USA. Arctic and Pacific populations may be separate species from Atlantic populations.

Habitat

A marine benthopelagic oceanodromous species that prefers brackish climates. Its habitat depth range is from 0 to 275 m, usually 30 to 100 m.

Size

Maximum length of males is 30.0 cm, total length is 17.0 cm. Maximum reported weight is 100.00 g. Maximum reported age is 11 years.

Behavior

Pacific sand lance may congregate in large schools near the surface both inshore and offshore, but may also burrow in the sand. On land it is found from intertidal to sublittoral areas. It occurs offshore, near the surface, and in deep water.

Food and feeding habits

Juveniles and adults feed on zooplankton.

Reproduction

The biology of the Pacific sand lance is poorly understood. It is only known to be an egg-laying species.

Fishing

This species is not commercially important.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. It is used in dried, salted and frozen form, sometimes as a raw material for fish meal.