Largehead anchovy
📖 Overview
Largehead anchovy (Encrasicholina macrocephala), first described by Hata & Motomura, 2015 is a small fish in the family Engraulidae (order Clupeiformes). Adults typically reach 5.60 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Data Deficient.The species is important as a food fish. As a member of the Engraulidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: dorsal and anal fins possess with 3 unbranched rays; with total pectoral-fin rays 11-14 (modally 13); pseudobranchial filaments 15-18; gill rakers on 1st arch 17-20 (19) in upper series, 21-25 (23) in lower, 40-45 (42) in total; prepelvic scutes 5-6 (5); large head, its length 29.5-31.7% (mean 30.4%) of SL; long upper jaw, its length 21.3-23.5% (mean 22.2%) of SL and its posterior tip extending beyond posterior margin of preopercle; long lower jaw, its length 19.5-21.2% (mean 20.3%) of SL; D-P1 short, 83.2-95.2% (mean 89.8%) of HL. : elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Largehead anchovy is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-neritic. Tropical Indian Ocean: Red Sea, Djibouti.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Encrasicholina Macrocephala is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Largehead anchovy is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Largehead anchovy has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (oily fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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