How to Identify Commerson's Anchovy

To identify Commerson's Anchovy (Stolephorus commersonnii), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Silvery body, often with a distinct silvery lateral stripe. Dorsal surface is typically darker, ranging from greenish to bluish-grey. Fins are hyaline (transparent).

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Snout prominent, conical, projecting beyond the tip of the lower jaw., Maxilla (upper jaw bone) moderately long, reaching to or slightly beyond the posterior margin of the preoperculum., A distinct silvery lateral stripe, often iridescent., Origin of dorsal fin usually slightly anterior to the midpoint of the body., Pelvic fin origin anterior to the dorsal fin origin.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, typically with 12-14 soft rays. No spines.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins relatively short, with 12-14 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin long, originating below the posterior half of the dorsal fin, with 17-20 soft rays. Pelvic fins small, abdominal.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Snout

   The snout is distinctly pointed and projects beyond the lower jaw, a key characteristic of Stolephorus species.

2. 2

   Maxilla Length

   The upper jaw bone (maxilla) extends to or slightly past the posterior margin of the preoperculum, but not typically to the gill opening.

3. 3

   Silvery Stripe

   Presence of a prominent, often iridescent, silvery stripe along the flank.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin Origin

   The dorsal fin typically originates slightly anterior to the midpoint of the body, and the pelvic fins originate anterior to the dorsal fin.

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