Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotty-face anchovy (Stolephorus waitei) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
Waite's anchovy is a small anchovy from the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from India and the Bay of Bengal to Indonesia and northern Australia. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a slender, translucent body with a shiny silver lateral band. It forms large schools in coastal and estuarine water and feeds on small zooplankton. As a heavily caught bait and food fish it is ecologically and economically important. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotty-face anchovy?
The Spotty-face anchovy has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Translucent schooling body with a shiny silver band
Where does the Spotty-face anchovy live?
The Spotty-face anchovy lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Spotty-face anchovy get?
The Spotty-face anchovy grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.
Is the Spotty-face anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotty-face 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 Spotty-face anchovy edible?
Yes, the Spotty-face anchovy is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Spotty-face anchovy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotty-face anchovy is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Stolephorus
More from the family Engraulidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotty-face anchovy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotty-face anchovy is one of 12,519 species in the app.