Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovies (Engraulis mordax) is a saltwater fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Eastern Pacific, in coastal waters, usually within 30 km of the coast but sometimes up to 480 km, and in bays and inlets.
Description
The Californian anchovy is an anchovy (family Engraulidae) of the eastern Pacific. The species reaches about 25 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a bluish back and a downward-directed mouth with overhanging snout. It usually lives in coastal waters within about 30 km of shore, but occurs as far as 480 km out and enters bays and inlets; it forms large, tightly packed schools. As a filter feeder it eats euphausiids, copepods and decapod larvae. The species is an important food source for seabirds, marine mammals and predatory fishes and is fished commercially. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Anchovies?
The Anchovies has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Forms large, dense shoals and is an important food source for seabirds, marine mammals and predatory fishes.
Where does the Anchovies live?
The Anchovies lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific, in coastal waters, usually within 30 km of the coast but sometimes up to 480 km, and in bays and inlets.
How big does the Anchovies get?
The Anchovies grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Anchovies dangerous to humans?
No, the Anchovies is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Anchovies edible?
Yes, the Anchovies is commonly eaten.
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Appearance
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Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Engraulis
More from the family Engraulidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Anchovies is one of 12,519 species in the app.