The freshwater anchovy or New Guinea thryssa (''Thryssa scratchleyi'') is a species of

ray-finned fish Actinopterygii (; ), members of which are known as ray-finned fishes, is a class of bony fish. They comprise over 50% of living vertebrate species. The ray-finned fishes are so called because their fins are webs of skin supported by bony or h ...

in the family

Engraulidae An anchovy is a small, common forage fish of the family Engraulidae. Most species are found in marine waters, but several will enter brackish water, and some in South America are restricted to fresh water. More than 140 species are placed in 1 ...

. It is native to Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Habitat

''Thryssa scratchleyi'' is known to be found in coastal estuaries, rivers and freshwater lagoons, usually well upstream into freshwater and has been found about inland in the

Fly system A fly system, or theatrical rigging system, is a system of rope lines, blocks (pulleys), counterweights and related devices within a theater (structure), theater that enables a stage crew to fly (hoist) quickly, quietly and safely components suc ...

in Papua New Guinea.

Human interaction

''Thryssa scratchleyi'' is recorded to serve no threats to humans, and it is a harmless species. Due to its large size, it is harvested both as a

game fish Game fish, sport fish or quarry refer to popular fish pursued by recreational anglers, and can be freshwater or saltwater fish. Game fish can be eaten after being caught, or released after capture. Some game fish are also targeted commercial ...

and as a target of

artisanal An artisan (from french: artisan, it, artigiano) is a skilled craft worker who makes or creates material objects partly or entirely by hand. These objects may be functional or strictly decorative, for example furniture, decorative art ...

fishing.

Size

''Thryssa scratchleyi'' is recorded to be the largest anchovy known, reaching a length of .

References

* freshwater anchovy Freshwater fish of the Northern Territory Freshwater fish of Queensland Freshwater fish of New Guinea Taxa named by Edward Pierson Ramsay Taxa named by James Douglas Ogilby freshwater anchovy Taxonomy articles created by Polbot {{Clupeiformes-stub