Pacific Sand Lance

Maximum longevity: 8 years (wild)

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.

Oviparous (Ref. 101747).

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 58 - 63; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 28 - 31; Vertebrae: 68 - 72

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). Juveniles and adults feed on zooplankton (Ref. 28499). Also feeds on crustaceans, snails and worms (Ref. 58426).

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). Utilized dried or salted and frozen; sometimes targeted as a raw material for fishmeal; eaten fried (Ref. 9988).

fisheries: commercial