Anchoa belizensis (Thomerson & Greenfield, 1975)
Belize anchovy
photo by FAO

Family:  Engraulidae (Anchovies), subfamily: Engraulinae
Max. size:  5.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Central America: Belize and Guatemala. Doubtful occurrence in eastern rivers of Honduras.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 23-28. Body somewhat compressed, slender. Snout less than eye diameter; maxilla long, tip pointed, reaching almost to gill opening; gill cover canals of walkeri-type. Anal fin rather long, its origin before midpoint of dorsal fin base. A pair of narrow dark lines along back, from occiput to tail; a silver stripe along flank, less than eye diameter.
Biology:  Apparently entirely freshwater and presumably schooling. More data needed.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 February 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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