Fin's Fish Guide
The Shorttail thryssa (Thryssa brevicauda) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The Shorttail thryssa is an anchovy (Engraulidae) from coastal, estuarine and lower river water around Australia and the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shiny lengthwise stripe and a projecting snout with inferior mouth. As a social schooling fish it swims in open water and filters plankton and small crustaceans. It is locally an important bait and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shorttail thryssa?
The Shorttail thryssa has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Shorttail thryssa live?
The Shorttail thryssa lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Oceania: Australia, Papua New Guinea
How big does the Shorttail thryssa get?
The Shorttail thryssa grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Shorttail thryssa dangerous to humans?
No, the Shorttail thryssa 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
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Thryssa
More from the family Engraulidae
Want the complete picture on the Shorttail thryssa?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shorttail thryssa is one of 12,519 species in the app.