How to Identify Indian Anchovy

To identify Indian Anchovy (Stolephorus indicus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Silvery-white on the flanks and belly, with a distinct silvery lateral stripe that may fade after death. The dorsal surface is typically greenish-blue to brownish-grey.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Snout prominent, projecting well beyond the tip of the lower jaw., Maxilla (upper jaw bone) long, extending beyond the posterior margin of the preoperculum., A distinct silvery lateral stripe., Large eyes relative to head size.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, typically with 15-17 soft rays, located mid-body.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively short, with 12-14 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin originates below the posterior half of the dorsal fin, with 18-21 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small, abdominal in position.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Snout projection

   The most reliable distinguishing feature is the snout extending significantly beyond the lower jaw. This is characteristic of the genus Stolephorus.

2. 2

   Maxilla length

   The upper jaw bone (maxilla) is notably long, reaching or extending past the gill cover (preoperculum).

3. 3

   Silvery stripe

   Presence of a prominent silvery stripe along the flank, though this can fade quickly after capture.

4. 4

   Anal fin origin

   The origin of the anal fin is typically beneath the posterior half of the dorsal fin, a useful feature when differentiating from some other anchovy species.

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