Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific sabretooth anchovy (Lycengraulis poeyi) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Description
Poey's sabretooth anchovy is an anchovy (Engraulidae) from the eastern Pacific. Unlike most anchovies it has conspicuous, sabre-like canine teeth in the jaws. It occurs in coastal waters and enters brackish and sometimes fresh water. It forms schools and is, unusually for an anchovy, partly fish-eating, alongside zooplankton. It is a prey fish for larger fishes. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific sabretooth anchovy?
The Pacific sabretooth anchovy has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sabre-shaped canine teeth in the jaws; partly fish-eating, schooling anchovy of coastal and brackish water.
Where does the Pacific sabretooth anchovy live?
The Pacific sabretooth anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters and brackish water of Central America.
How big does the Pacific sabretooth anchovy get?
The Pacific sabretooth anchovy grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.
Is the Pacific sabretooth anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacific sabretooth anchovy is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pacific sabretooth anchovy edible?
The Pacific sabretooth anchovy is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lycengraulis
More from the family Engraulidae
Want the complete picture on the Pacific sabretooth anchovy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific sabretooth anchovy is one of 12,519 species in the app.