The biomechanics and burrowing methods of Ammodytes hexapterus

Abstract

The Pacific sand lance, Ammodytes hexapterus, was tested for burrowing speed in a tank filled with sediment topped with seawater. Results show that in fine sand (0.520mm in diameter) young of the year sand lance burrow on average 0.03 seconds faster than do immature/sub adults. These characteristics may be useful in predicting and identifying sand lance burrowing sites in the future, which is extremely important due to their ecological importance as prey species for many other marine species. This could be useful in identifying breeding sites for sand lances that can later be used as feeding grounds for marine species whose populations may be threatened.