Nelson's anchovy
📖 Overview
Nelson's anchovy (Stolephorus nelsoni), first described by Wongratana, 1987 is a small fish in the family Engraulidae (order Clupeiformes). Adults typically reach 7.40 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 0 to 50 metres. 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 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
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 20. Belly rounded, with 4 or 5 small needle-like pre-pelvic scutes. Maxilla tip pointed, reaching to about hind border of inter-operculum; hind border of pre-operculum convex, rounded. Knob-like tooth patches at bases of anterior epibranchial gill rakers. Small teeth present on upper edge of hyoid bones. Isthmus muscle tapering evenly forward to hind border of branchial membrane.: elongated; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Nelson's anchovy is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-neritic; depth range 0 - 50 m . Tropical; 15°S - 20°S, 116°E - 152°E Central Pacific: Australia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Nelson's anchovy 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 Nelson's anchovy is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Nelson's 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Nelson's anchovy |
| 🌍CES | sardel Nelsonova |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Nelson's anchovy ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.