Fin's Fish Guide
The Baelama anchovy (Thryssa baelama) is a fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The baelama anchovy is an anchovy (Engraulidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a projecting snout and a large mouth reaching far back. It lives in schools in coastal waters and estuaries, where with its fine gill rakers it filters small zooplankton and small invertebrates from the water. It is an important prey fish and is caught locally as bait and food. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Baelama anchovy?
The Baelama anchovy is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Filter-feeding schooling fish with a large mouth reaching far back; prey and bait fish.
Where does the Baelama anchovy live?
The Baelama anchovy is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific; coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Baelama anchovy get?
The Baelama anchovy grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Baelama anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Baelama anchovy is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Baelama anchovy edible?
Yes, the Baelama 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 Baelama anchovy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Baelama anchovy is one of 12,519 species in the app.