Anchovy

Snout sharply pointed but short, less than eye diameter; maxilla long, tip pointed, reaching almost to gill opening; gill cover canals of panamensis-type. Anal fin moderate, its origin below or just before midpoint of dorsal fin base. A silver stripe along flank, less than eye diameter.

Spawn in school (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 23 - 27

Occurs in shallow coastal waters, sometimes in large schools, and also in mangrove-lined lagoons in turbid water. On the southern coast of Margarita Island, they appear mainly in February to May at 5-7 cm SL, while larger individuals occur throughout the year in the interior of lagoons. More data needed on food and breeding.

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