| Family: |
Engraulidae (Anchovies), subfamily: Engraulinae |
| Max. size: |
24 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 66.3 g |
| Environment: |
pelagic-neritic; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 55 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Panama to Trinidad and south to at least Santos, Brazil, perhaps further. Eastern Pacific: Costa Rica to the northern border of Peru at 3°34'S, perhaps further. Also found in freshwater. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 31-37. Snout about 3/4 eye diameter; maxilla long, tip pointed, reaching to or a little beyond edge of gill cover; anterior gill rakers mere stumps; hind border of gill cover with a small triangular projection; panamensis-type gill cover canals. Pectoral fin long; anal fin origin below midpoint of dorsal fin base. A silver stripe along flank in small individuals, disappearing with age (Ref. 189). |
| Biology: |
A coastal species that apparently forms large schools. Enters brackish and fresh waters. Feeds on small fishes (including clupeoids) and prawns (Ref. 12225). Seems to spawn over an extended period in Costa Rica (small fishes caught in February, September and October). Marketed fresh (Ref. 9298). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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