Australian Anchovy

Hardly differs from the European anchovy (E. encrasicolus) and can be identified from that description. For most of its range it is the only anchovy present, but in the extreme north it may overlap with species of Encrasicholina or Stolephorus, which have small needle-like scutes before the pelvic fins; species of Thryssa have compressed bodies and a keel of scutes along the belly.

Spawns in inlets, bays and estuaries.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 18; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 17 - 19; Vertebrae: 40 - 48

Occur mostly inshore: chiefly in bays, inlets and estuaries, sometimes in lowered salinities, but older fishes tending to move out to sea in winter and back in the spring. Form compact schools. Larval and juvenile anchovy inhabit bays, inlets and brackish estuaries (Ref. 189, 26499).

Found mostly inshore: chiefly in bays, inlets and estuaries, sometimes in low salinities. Older individuals tend to move out to sea in winter and back in the spring. Forms compact schools much preyed upon by larger fishes, common dolphins and birds. Feeds on plankton. Spawns in inlets, bays and also estuaries, probably throughout the year but mainly in late spring to early autumn and especially about November to February. The eggs are ellipsoidal. Utilized as fish paste.

fisheries: minor commercial; bait: usually; price category: medium; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family

The Australian anchovy, Engraulis australis, is a species of anchovy of the family Engraulidae, found off south-east Australia, and around New Zealand.

The Australian anchovy feeds on plankton and is of minor importance to commercial fisheries. It is usually utilized as bait.