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Philippine anchovy (Encrasicholina oligobranchus) — Engraulidae

Philippine anchovy

Encrasicholina oligobranchus
Family: Engraulidae

The Philippine anchovy (Encrasicholina oligobranchus) is a saltwater fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Philippines, Tonga

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Description

The Philippine anchovy is an anchovy (Engraulidae) from coastal waters of the western Pacific, around the Philippines. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a glossy lengthwise band and a projecting snout above a large, underslung mouth. As a schooling fish it swims in great numbers in coastal and surface water and filters zooplankton. It is an important bait and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Philippine anchovy?

The Philippine anchovy has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Philippine anchovy live?

The Philippine anchovy lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Philippines, Tonga

How big does the Philippine anchovy get?

The Philippine anchovy grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Philippine anchovy dangerous to humans?

No, the Philippine 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Philippine anchovy sourced
Scientific name
Encrasicholina oligobranchus
Family
Engraulidae
Other names
Philippine anchovy verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Philippines, Tonga sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Encrasicholina

More from the family Engraulidae

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