The Pygmy Amazon anchovy (Amazonsprattus scintilla) is a freshwater fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 2 cm.
Description
The pygmy Amazon anchovy is one of the very smallest herring relatives, an anchovy (Engraulidae) from the blackwater of the Rio Negro in the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to only about 2 cm and has an extremely slender, translucent, silvery body. As a social schooling fish it hovers in large numbers in the upper layer and filters microscopic zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pygmy Amazon anchovy?
The Pygmy Amazon anchovy has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Pygmy Amazon anchovy live?
The Pygmy Amazon anchovy lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.
How big does the Pygmy Amazon anchovy get?
The Pygmy Amazon anchovy grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.
Is the Pygmy Amazon anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Pygmy Amazon anchovy is harmless to humans.
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Habitat & distribution
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More from the family Engraulidae
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