Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovy (Thryssa mystax) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The moustached thryssa is a small anchovy from coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 19 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a very large mouth whose long jaws reach back like a moustache. It schools in shallow coastal and estuarine water and filters small zooplankton and tiny crustaceans from the water. It is an important local bait and food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Anchovy?
The Anchovy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very large mouth with long 'moustache' jaws; schooling plankton filterer
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Anchovy is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
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 Thryssa
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.