Stolephorus carpentariae (De Vis, 1882)
Gulf of Carpenteria anchovy
photo by FAO

Family:  Engraulidae (Anchovies), subfamily: Engraulinae
Max. size:  5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 13 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Gulf of Carpentaria, southern coast of Papua New Guinea; also Moreton Bay near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 19-20. Belly with 5 to 7 small needle-like pre-pelvic scutes. Maxilla tip pointed, reaching to or beyond hind border of pre-operculum, the latter concave, indented near maxilla tip. Anal fin origin far forward, below the second to sixth dorsal fin ray bases. The advanced anal fin and the presence of fine teeth on hyoid bones distinguish this species from others in the area.
Biology:  Presumed coastal, pelagic and schooling. Probably tolerates lowered salinities, judging from the type locality and its occurrence in bays and inlets. Apparently not abundant. More material needed.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 February 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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