Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovy (Cetengraulis edentulus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Western Atlantic; from the Caribbean to southern Brazil; inshore coastal waters, lagoons and estuaries.
Description
The Atlantic anchoveta is an anchovy of the family Engraulidae from the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with a projecting snout. It occurs inshore and forms very large schools, entering brackish lagoons and estuaries. Unlike many anchovies it has, as the species name 'edentulus' (toothless) indicates, a reduced dentition and is a filter feeder: it sieves mainly phytoplankton and small zooplankton from the water. The Atlantic anchoveta is an important commercial and prey fish. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Anchovy?
The Anchovy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Toothless filter feeder that mainly sieves phytoplankton; forms very large coastal shoals.
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic; from the Caribbean to southern Brazil; inshore coastal waters, lagoons and estuaries.
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 15 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.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Cetengraulis
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.