Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovy (Stolephorus commersonnii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
Commerson's anchovy is an anchovy (Engraulidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a slender, silvery body with a shiny silver lengthwise band and a projecting snout above a large mouth. It forms large schools in coastal waters to about 50 m deep and sometimes enters brackish water. With its fine gill rakers it filters small zooplankton from the water. It is an important prey and food fish. 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. Glossy silvery longitudinal band; schooling, filter-feeding prey and food fish.
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific; coastal waters to ~50 m.
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 11 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 Stolephorus
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.