Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovy (Anchoa nasus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 17 cm.
Description
The longnose anchovy is an anchovy of the family Engraulidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shining lateral stripe and a conspicuously long, pointed snout projecting well over the inferior mouth. It forms schools in coastal waters near shore and enters bays and estuaries. As a plankton feeder it filters small zooplankton from the water. As an extremely abundant prey fish it is an important link in the coastal food web and prey for larger predatory fishes 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 horizontal stripes pattern. Strikingly long, pointed snout above the inferior mouth; abundant coastal schooling fish.
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters, bays and estuaries.
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 17 cm. On average the species is around 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
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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.