Bareback Anchovy
Papuengraulis Micropinna
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Quick Facts
Distribution
Interesting Info
- The Bareback Anchovy is a brackish water fish being found in both rivers and coastal waters, in estimated depths up to 20 m (65 ft).
- Bareback anchovies are generally used as a bait fish.
- These fish are omnivores and primarily feed on plankton.
- No established lifespan, presumably between 3 and 5 years, like many others in its family.
- They are an important food source in the food chain.
- The main predators of anchovy include seabirds, dolphins, sharks, larger predatory fish and marine mammals.
Species Interaction
Scarce/Uncommon
Bareback anchovy also known as the Littlefin anchovy are a rare or uncommon fish. Not much is known about this species, it is estimated that only 4 specimens of this fish have ever been preserved.
The Bareback has been spotted in parts of northern Australia and the Gulf of Papua.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Clupeiformes
Family: Engraulidae
Genus: Papuengraulis
Species: Papuengraulis micropinna
Conservation Status
There is little information on the conservation status of the Bareback Anchovy. This species has not been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Fish Taste Quality
Bareback anchovy are a edible fish but not a targeted species for consumption.
Taste Rating: 1/5
Elusive / Overlooked Species
Finding: Difficult
Temperament: Shy
Location: Inner reef
Danger: None
