Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Bergen (Norway) to East London (South Africa); the entire Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
Description
The European anchovy is a small, slender schooling fish of the family Engraulidae reaching about 20 cm. It is characterised by a pointed, overhanging snout and a large, deeply cleft inferior mouth. The body is greenish-blue on the back and silvery on the flanks, with a silver lateral stripe that fades with age. The species lives pelagically in coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea and tolerates a wide range of salinities. It forms large schools and feeds on plankton. The European anchovy is a highly sought-after and commercially important food fish.
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. Slender schooling fish with a pointed, projecting snout and a large inferior mouth; a silver flank stripe that fades with age.
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic from Bergen (Norway) to East London (South Africa); the entire Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 14 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 a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Anchovy and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Engraulis
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.