| Family: |
Engraulidae (Anchovies), subfamily: Coiliinae |
| Max. size: |
12 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
pelagic-neritic; brackish; marine; depth range - 13 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Central Pacific: Gulf of Papua (off Port Romily; in mouths of rivers flowing into the Gulf; Arafura Sea, but no indication if Australian or Irian Jaya coast). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 3-4; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 51-57. Belly with 5 or 6 pre-pectoral needle-like scutes, none behind, and a series of membrane-like post -pelvic scutes more or less concealed by the scales. Maxilla short, tip blunt; first supra-maxilla large, elongate, more than twice length of second. Pectoral fins wing-like; pelvic fins small; dorsal fin minute, the second unbranched fin ray elongated. A distinct dark blotch behind gill opening. |
| Biology: |
Presumed to be estuarine, but perhaps ascends rivers or migrates into coastal waters. The minute teeth and rather numerous gillrakers suggest a diet of small planktonic animals. The species is probably uncommon as there seems to be only four preserved specimens. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 17 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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