Pristigaster cayana

Pristigaster cayana Cuvier, 1829 is a species of actinopterygii belonging to the family Pristigasteridae (order Clupeiformes).

Common name. In English this species is commonly known as the Amazon hatchet herring.

Taxonomy. The scientific name Pristigaster cayana Cuvier, 1829 places this species within the actinopterygii lineage, among the most diverse vertebrates on Earth.

Description & ecology. As a member of Clupeiformes, Pristigaster cayana exhibits the group's characteristic adaptations: They are small, silvery, schooling plankton-feeders central to marine food webs and fisheries. Its biology reflects the demands of its particular habitat and life history within the family Pristigasteridae.

Distribution. The species occurs within the natural range of its lineage; precise localities and depth preferences are documented in the taxonomic literature for Pristigasteridae.

Human relevance. Like many fishes, it may be of interest to fisheries, aquaculture, the aquarium trade, or conservation, depending on its abundance and distribution.