How to Identify Gangetic Anchovy

To identify Gangetic Anchovy (Setipinna phasa), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   Anal Fin Origin

   The anal fin originates significantly anterior to the dorsal fin origin, a key characteristic of the genus Setipinna.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Its highly compressed and elongated body, combined with a prominent, projecting snout, helps differentiate it from other anchovy species.

4. 4

   Ventral Scutes

   Presence of a series of sharp, bony scutes along the belly.

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