Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovy (Cetengraulis mysticetus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The Pacific anchoveta is an anchovy (Engraulidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a projecting snout and a large, inferior mouth. It lives close inshore, mainly over mud flats, where it forms large schools; it does not make long migrations. As a filter feeder it sifts phytoplankton from the water; juveniles eat mainly diatoms, silicoflagellates, dinoflagellates and small crustaceans. It is an important link in the food chain and is heavily fished for fishmeal and as bait. The species 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. Filter-feeding schooling fish above mud banks; important fishmeal and bait fish.
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters over mud banks.
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 22 cm. On average the species is around 12 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
For anglers
Safety
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.