Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovy (Anchoa exigua) is a saltwater fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The slender anchovy is an anchovy (Engraulidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species is small and has a slender, silvery body with a projecting snout and a large, inferior mouth. It lives pelagically in coastal waters close inshore and probably does not enter estuaries. It lives in schools and filters small zooplankton from the water with its fine gill rakers. It is an important prey fish for larger predators and seabirds. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Anchovy?
The Anchovy has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, filter-feeding schooling fish of coastal waters; important prey fish.
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters close inshore.
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Anchovy is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Anchovy edible?
The Anchovy is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Anchoa
More from the family Engraulidae
Want the complete picture on the Anchovy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Anchovy is one of 12,519 species in the app.