Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovy (Anchoa lamprotaenia) is a saltwater fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The bigeye anchovy is a small schooling fish of the anchovy family (Engraulidae) from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a bright silver lateral stripe and a projecting snout over an inferior mouth. It forms dense schools in coastal waters and is locally, as at the Los Roques Archipelago off Venezuela, the most abundant species. It feeds on zooplankton. The bigeye anchovy is an important prey for larger fishes and is commercially fished.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Anchovy?
The Anchovy has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Glossy silvery longitudinal stripe and a projecting snout; forms dense coastal shoals.
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; coastal waters.
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 10 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?
Yes, the Anchovy is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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.