Shortfinger anchovy (Anchoa lyolepis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Engraulidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12 cm. It occurs at depths between 1 and 54 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 21 - 23. Snout long and pointed, only slightly less than eye diameter; maxilla long, tip pointed, reaching almost to gill opening; gill cover canals of panamensis-type; pseudobranch longer than eye diameter, with 30 or more filaments, extending onto inner face of operculum. Pectoral fin with first ray not filamentous. Silver stripe along flank about equal to eye diameter, with dark line above it . Melanophores evenly distributed, usually not forming a middorsal stripe. Iridescent golden spot on top of head .: elongated; Cross section: oval.
Behavioural data for Shortfinger anchovy is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Shortfinger anchovy is currently being compiled.
Spawn in school .
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 54 m . Subtropical; 38°N - 27°S, 99°W - 35°W south to Miami (rare on the Gulf coast of Florida), Bermuda, Antilles, Trinidad and south to Brazil; also Venezuela to Panama, Yucatan and to northern Gulf of Mexico.
plankton
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchoa iyolepis | Evermann & Marsh | 1900 | Synonym |
| Anchoa lyolepis continentalis | Cervigón | 1969 | Synonym |
| Anchoa lyolepis lyolepis | - | - | Synonym |
| Anchoa nasuta | Hildebrand & Carvalho | 1948 | Synonym |
| Anchovia platyargyrea | Fowler | 1911 | Synonym |
| Anchoviella lyolepis | Evermann & Marsh | 1902 | Synonym |
| Anchoviella platyargyrea | Fowler | 1911 | Synonym |
| Engraulis platyargyreus | Fowler | 1911 | Synonym |
| Stolephorus lyolepis | Evermann & Marsh | 1900 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 113 records indexed .
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