Fin's Fish Guide
The Gangetic anchovy (Setipinna phasa) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The Gangetic anchovy is a small herring relative (anchovy) from coastal, estuarine and fresh water of South Asia, mainly in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a slender, strongly compressed, silvery body with a long anal fin and a thread-like elongated pectoral ray. It schools and filters small zooplankton from the water; it migrates into rivers to spawn. It is an important local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gangetic anchovy?
The Gangetic anchovy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Long anal fin and a thread-like pectoral fin ray; schooling migratory anchovy
Where does the Gangetic anchovy live?
The Gangetic anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. South Asia
How big does the Gangetic anchovy get?
The Gangetic anchovy grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Gangetic anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Gangetic 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 Gangetic anchovy edible?
Yes, the Gangetic 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 Setipinna
More from the family Engraulidae
Want the complete picture on the Gangetic anchovy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gangetic anchovy is one of 12,519 species in the app.