Belize anchovy
📖 Overview
Belize anchovy (Anchoa belizensis), first described by Thomerson & Greenfield, 1975 is a small fish in the family Engraulidae (order Clupeiformes). Adults typically reach 5.80 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species schools in loose to tight aggregations. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 23 - 28. Body somewhat compressed, slender. Snout less than eye diameter; maxilla long, tip pointed, reaching almost to gill opening; gill cover canals of walkeri-type. Anal fin rather long, its origin before midpoint of dorsal fin base. A pair of narrow dark lines along back, from occiput to tail; a silver stripe along flank, less than eye diameter.: elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Belize anchovy is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Spawn in school .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic. Tropical; 20°N - 14°S Central America: Belize and Guatemala.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Belize Anchovy |
| 🌍CES | sardel sibunská |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Anchova-de-Belize |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | anchoa beliceña |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchoviella belizensis | Thomerson & Greenfield | 1975 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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