Fin's Fish Guide
The Starks's anchovy (Anchoa starksi) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
Starks's anchovy is a small herring-like fish of the family Engraulidae occurring in coastal waters of the eastern Pacific. The species has a slender, silvery body with a shining lateral stripe and a downturned mouth with an overhanging snout. It grows to about 8 cm and lives in schools in shallow, neritic waters; in estuaries it tolerates lowered salinities. The diet consists of zooplankton filtered from the water. Because of its small size the species has little direct fishery value and is only rarely eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Starks's anchovy?
The Starks's anchovy has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Silvery longitudinal stripe and overhanging snout; tolerates reduced salinities in estuaries.
Where does the Starks's anchovy live?
The Starks's anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, from Mexico to Central America.
How big does the Starks's anchovy get?
The Starks's anchovy grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Starks's anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Starks's anchovy is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Starks's anchovy edible?
The Starks's anchovy is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Anchoa
More from the family Engraulidae
Want the complete picture on the Starks's anchovy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Starks's anchovy is one of 12,519 species in the app.