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Encrasicholina punctifer, commonly known as the Short-bodied anchovy, is a small, pelagic schooling fish belonging to the family Engraulidae. It is characterized by its slender, somewhat compressed body and a distinctive silvery stripe along its flanks. This species is a significant component of small pelagic fisheries throughout its range, playing a crucial role in marine food webs.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Dorsal surface is typically translucent to light brown or greenish-blue, fading to silvery white on the flanks and belly. A prominent silvery lateral stripe runs from behind the operculum to the caudal fin base.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- inferior
- Distinctive features
- Short, blunt snout, Maxilla (upper jaw) tip extends beyond the anterior margin of the preoperculum but usually not to the posterior margin, A distinct silvery lateral stripe, No pre-pelvic scutes, Small, deciduous scales
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin, typically with 12-15 soft rays, originating slightly anterior to the anal fin origin.
- Tail fin
- Deeply forked caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Pectoral fins are relatively short, with 12-14 rays.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are small, located abdominally, with 7 rays. Anal fin is long, with 15-19 soft rays, originating below the posterior half of the dorsal fin.
Identification Tips
Maxilla length
The tip of the maxilla extends beyond the anterior margin of the preoperculum but usually does not reach the posterior margin. This is a key differentiator from some other anchovy species.
Silvery stripe
Presence of a prominent, well-defined silvery stripe along the flanks, which is often iridescent.
Body depth
Relatively slender body, with body depth typically 4.5-5.5 times in standard length.
Fin ray counts
Dorsal fin rays 12-15; Anal fin rays 15-19; Pectoral fin rays 12-14. These counts can help distinguish it from closely related species.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and lagoons, from the surface down to about 50 meters.
- Environment
- Pelagic, schooling species, often found in large aggregations over continental shelves and near shorelines. Tolerant of varying salinities, sometimes entering brackish waters.
- Geographic range
- Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa eastward to the Philippines, Indonesia, and northern Australia, extending north to Japan and south to New South Wales.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: filter_feeder
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for home aquaria
- Temperature: 24-29°C
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: Not applicable for wild fish
- Compatibility: Not applicable for home aquaria
- Special requirements: Requires large schooling environments, specialized filtration for planktonic feeding, and is extremely delicate. Not typically kept in aquaria.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Spawning and abundance can vary seasonally and geographically, often peaking during warmer months or specific monsoon periods in tropical regions.
- Market price: Varies significantly by region and market demand, often sold as bait or for fishmeal/oil.
- Commercial importance: high
- Taste: Mild, slightly oily, characteristic anchovy flavor.
- Texture: Soft, delicate flesh.
- Cooking methods: Fried, Dried, Salted, Fermented, Used in fish sauces
- Nutritional value: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
Key Facts
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Short-bodied anchovies form vast, dense schools, which is a primary defense mechanism against predators and facilitates feeding on plankton.
Ecological Importanceinteresting
As a small pelagic fish, E. punctifer is a critical link in marine food webs, serving as a major food source for larger predatory fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
Rapid Life Cyclebehavior
This species has a relatively short lifespan and rapid growth rate, allowing for quick population turnover and resilience to fishing pressure, provided environmental conditions are favorable.
Nocturnal Spawningbehavior
Spawning typically occurs at night, with eggs being pelagic and developing rapidly in warm surface waters.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required. They are small, delicate fish and should be handled gently if alive. No spines or venomous parts.
Similar Species
Devis' anchovy
Encrasicholina devisi
E. devisi typically has a shorter maxilla, not extending beyond the preoperculum, and often a less distinct silvery stripe. It also tends to have fewer anal fin rays (13-16).
Stark's anchovy
Encrasicholina pseudoheteroloba
E. pseudoheteroloba has a longer maxilla, extending to or beyond the posterior margin of the preoperculum. Its body is also generally deeper.
Broad-banded anchovy
Encrasicholina heteroloba
E. heteroloba has a maxilla that extends to or slightly beyond the posterior margin of the preoperculum, and often a broader, more diffuse silvery stripe.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Clupeiformes
- Family
- Engraulidae
- Genus
- Encrasicholina
- Species
- punctifer
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