The Anchovy (Anchoa parva) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The little anchovy is a small herring relative of the anchovy family (Engraulidae) from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shining lateral stripe and a projecting snout with a large, inferior mouth. It forms schools in coastal waters and enters saline lagoons and estuaries. As a plankton feeder it filters small zooplankton from the water. As an abundant prey fish it is an important link in the coastal food web and prey for larger predatory fishes and seabirds. Owing to its small size it has no direct fishery value and 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.
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water.
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Anchovy 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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