A schooling species found inshore, but also inhabits deep bays under oceanic influence. Rarely enter mangrove waters . Probably feed mainly on planktonic crustaceans (e.g., copepods, Ref. 8591). Eggs are oval, without a knob at one end. Eggs occur intermittently in the lower reaches of mangrove waters . Utilized mostly for bait, but also for human consumption as dried fish or fermented sauce .
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 16. Belly rounded with 4 to 6 sharp needle-like pre-pelvic scutes. Maxilla tip pointed, projecting beyond second supra-maxilla and reaching to sub-operculum. Isthmus short, preceded by a small bony plate on urohyal between branchial membranes. Unbranched dorsal and anal fin rays only. Anal fin short. In life, a distinct blue upper edge to its lateral stripe and a dull silver or grey band on flank, the back beige.: elongated; Cross section: circular.
Behavioural data for Shorthead anchovy is currently being reviewed.
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; oceanodromous ; depth range 20 - 50 m . Tropical; 32°N - 26°S, 30°E - 170°W East Africa to northern Madagascar and the Bay of Bengal; southern Japan and northern coast of Australia to the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa.
planktonic crustaceans (e
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Anchovy · Blue anchovy · East Indian anchovy · Gold anchovy · Indian anchovy · Pygmy anchovy · Shorthead anchovy |
| 🇸🇦Arabic | أنشوفة ديوانِيَّة |
| 🇫🇷French | Anchois douanier |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Shiroganeainokoiwashi · シロガネアイノコイワシ · ミズスルル |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Boquerón aduanero |
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchoviella heteroloba | Rüppell | 1837 | Synonym |
| Encrasicholina pseudoheteroloba | Hardenberg | 1933 | Synonym |
| Encrasicholus heteroloba | Rüppell | 1837 | Synonym |
| Encrasicolina heteroloba | Rüppell | 1837 | Synonym |
| Encrasicolus heteroloba | Rüppell | 1837 | Synonym |
| Engraulis heteroloba | Rüppell | 1837 | Synonym |
| Stolephorus heterolobus | Rüppell | 1837 | Synonym |
| Stolephorus pseudoheterolobus | Hardenberg | 1933 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 16 records indexed .
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