Indian Anchovy (Post-larval stage)
Stolephorus indicus
Type: saltwater, pelagic, brackish
Physical Characteristics
Elongated, slender, and nearly cylindrical body. At this larval/post-larval stage, the body is highly transparent with visible internal structures like the vertebral column and gut. It has a large eye, a short dorsal fin located mid-body, and a deeply forked caudal fin that develops more prominently as it matures. Silver pigmentation along the flanks begins to appear later.
Habitat & Distribution
Tropical Indo-Pacific coastal waters, including the lagoons of Sri Lanka. They are found in estuaries, bays, and shallow marine environments, often moving into brackish waters.
Size & Weight
As larvae, they are just a few millimeters long. Adults typically reach 10-12 cm in length and weigh only a few grams.
Similar Looking Species
Other members of the Stolephorus genus or larval Clupeids (sardines). They are distinguished from sardines by the position of their maxilla (jaw) which extends behind the eye in adults.
Ecological Role
Critical primary consumers that bridge the gap between microscopic plankton and larger predators. They are a vital forage fish for larger predatory fish, sea birds, and marine mammals.
Diet
Primarily a filter feeder, consuming zooplankton, copepods, and small crustacean larvae.
Behavior
Highly social and schooling fish. They use schooling as a defense mechanism against predators. In transparent larval stages, they are mostly planktonic, drifting with currents while actively feeding.
Reproduction
Broadcast spawners. They release eggs and sperm into the water column in coastal areas. The eggs are pelagic and hatch into the transparent larval form shown in the image.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN), though populations are sensitive to overfishing and habitat degradation in coastal lagoons.
Identification Tips
Look for a transparent, needle-like body with a large eye and a distinct row of melanophores (pigment spots) along the ventral side of the gut.
Interesting Facts
The transparency of the larvae is an evolutionary adaptation for camouflage in the open water column where there is nowhere to hide from predators.
User Notes
From Sri knk an lagoon
Identified on: 5/30/2026
Mode: Standard