Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovy (Encrasicholina heteroloba) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The shorthead anchovy is an anchovy (Engraulidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species is small and has a slender, silvery body with a short, blunt snout and a bright silver flank stripe. It lives in schools close inshore, but also in deep bays under oceanic influence; it rarely enters mangrove waters. With its fine gill rakers it filters small zooplankton from the water. It is an important prey and bait fish and is heavily fished. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Anchovy?
The Anchovy has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Short blunt snout and a shiny flank stripe; filter-feeding coastal shoaling fish and baitfish.
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coastal waters and deep bays.
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Anchovy is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Anchovy edible?
Yes, the Anchovy is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Encrasicholina
More from the family Engraulidae
Want the complete picture on the Anchovy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Anchovy is one of 12,519 species in the app.