Fin's Fish Guide
The Guyana anchovy (Anchoviella guianensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The Guyana anchovy is a small anchovy of the family Engraulidae from northern South America. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shining lateral stripe. It occurs in estuaries and rivers and tolerates only very low salinities, so it penetrates far into fresh water. It forms schools and as a plankton feeder filters small zooplankton from the water. As an abundant prey fish it is an important link in the food web of coastal rivers. Owing to its small size the species has little direct fishery value and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guyana anchovy?
The Guyana anchovy has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Tolerates only very low salinity and penetrates far into fresh water; abundant prey fish.
Where does the Guyana anchovy live?
The Guyana anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Northern South America; estuaries and rivers with very low salinity.
How big does the Guyana anchovy get?
The Guyana anchovy grows to a maximum of about 11 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Guyana anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Guyana anchovy is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Guyana anchovy edible?
The Guyana anchovy is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Anchoviella
More from the family Engraulidae
Want the complete picture on the Guyana anchovy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guyana anchovy is one of 12,519 species in the app.