Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovy (Encrasicholina punctifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The buccaneer anchovy is a small anchovy (Engraulidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 13 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shining lateral stripe and a downturned mouth with an overhanging snout. It is a pronounced schooling fish occurring both near the coast and far out in the open ocean, sometimes hundreds of kilometres offshore, and sometimes entering large atoll lagoons or deep, clear bays. It filters zooplankton from the water. The species is among the most important bait fishes for tuna fisheries and is processed into fish sauce (nuoc-mam) in Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Anchovy?
The Anchovy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Important bait fish for the tuna fishery; processed into fish sauce (nuoc-mam).
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, in coastal and oceanic waters.
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 13 cm. On average the species is around 9 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?
The Anchovy is rarely eaten.
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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.