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Setipinna phasa, commonly known as the Gangetic Anchovy, is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Engraulidae. It is a commercially important fish in its native range, primarily found in the freshwater and brackish water systems of South Asia. This species is characterized by its elongated, compressed body, silvery coloration, and a distinctive long, filamentous pectoral fin ray.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Silvery, often with a darker dorsal surface and lighter ventral side. Fins are hyaline (transparent) to yellowish.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- superior
- Distinctive features
- Body strongly compressed and elongated., Snout prominent, projecting beyond the lower jaw., A single, very long, filamentous ray in the pectoral fin, often extending beyond the anal fin origin., Origin of the anal fin is anterior to the dorsal fin origin., A series of scutes (bony plates) along the ventral midline.
- Dorsal fin
- Small, located posteriorly, with 10-12 soft rays.
- Tail fin
- Deeply forked, with the lower lobe often longer than the upper.
- Pectoral fin
- Long, with the first ray greatly elongated and filamentous, reaching up to or beyond the anal fin origin. Total rays 12-14.
- Distinctive fins
- Anal fin very long, originating anterior to the dorsal fin, with 58-70 soft rays. Pelvic fins small, abdominal.
Identification Tips
Pectoral Fin Ray
The most distinguishing feature is the single, extremely long, filamentous ray in each pectoral fin, which can extend well past the anal fin origin.
Anal Fin Origin
The anal fin originates significantly anterior to the dorsal fin origin, a key characteristic of the genus Setipinna.
Body Shape
Its highly compressed and elongated body, combined with a prominent, projecting snout, helps differentiate it from other anchovy species.
Ventral Scutes
Presence of a series of sharp, bony scutes along the belly.
Habitat
- Water type
- freshwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow to moderate depths of rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters.
- Environment
- Primarily riverine and estuarine, but also found in coastal marine waters, indicating a euryhaline nature. Prefers turbid waters with moderate currents. Often found in large schools.
- Geographic range
- Indo-West Pacific: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Primarily found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system and other major river basins of the Indian subcontinent.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: filter_feeder
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for typical home aquaria due to size and schooling needs.
- Temperature: 24-28°C
- pH level: 7.0-8.0
- Hardness: 10-20 dGH
- Compatibility: Not typically kept in aquaria. If attempted in very large, specialized setups, would require schooling with conspecifics and peaceful, similarly sized fish.
- Special requirements: Requires very large, specialized tanks with strong filtration to handle its schooling behavior and filter-feeding lifestyle. Not recommended for hobbyists.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Peak abundance typically observed during post-monsoon and winter months in riverine systems, though available year-round in some areas.
- Market price: Varies regionally, generally affordable and widely consumed.
- Commercial importance: high
- Taste: Mild, slightly oily, characteristic anchovy flavor.
- Texture: Soft, delicate flesh with fine bones.
- Cooking methods: Fried, Curried, Dried, Fermented
- Nutritional value: Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals.
Key Facts
Filamentous Fininteresting
The Gangetic Anchovy is easily recognized by its exceptionally long, filamentous pectoral fin ray, which can be longer than its head.
Euryhaline Naturebehavior
This species exhibits a remarkable tolerance to varying salinities, thriving in freshwater rivers, brackish estuaries, and even coastal marine environments.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Setipinna phasa forms large schools, a common behavior among anchovies, which aids in foraging and protection from predators.
Commercial Fisheryinteresting
It is a significant component of artisanal and commercial fisheries in South Asia, providing an important food source and economic livelihood.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required. Like all fish, handle with care to avoid injury to the fish or yourself from sharp fins, though S. phasa does not possess venomous spines.
Similar Species
Hamilton's Anchovy
Setipinna hamiltonii
S. hamiltonii generally has a shorter pectoral filament, typically not extending beyond the anal fin origin, and usually fewer anal fin rays (45-58) compared to S. phasa (58-70).
Indian Anchovy
Stolephorus indicus
Stolephorus indicus lacks the extremely long pectoral fin filament and has a much shorter anal fin, originating posterior to the dorsal fin.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Clupeiformes
- Family
- Engraulidae
- Genus
- Setipinna
- Species
- phasa
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