Fish
Anchovy
Engraulis encrasiolus
(GSA5) Balearic Islands, (GSA6) Northern Spain, (GSA9) Ligurian and Northern Tyrrhenian Sea, (GSA10) Central and Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, (GSA20) Eastern Ionian Sea, (GSA22) Aegean Sea, (VIII) Bay of Biscay
Fishing zones
Wild
Origin
12 cm
Minimum size
Description
The anchovy is characterized by a slender, thin, subcylindrical body. Its upper jaw is distinctly prominent. The mouth ends well behind the eyes. The anal fin begins behind the last two rays of the dorsal fin. Entirely covered with scales, the body is silvery on the belly and bluish on the back. Measuring 10 to 15 cm in length, it can reach a maximum of 20 cm. Its diet consists of zooplankton and phytoplankton.
Habitat
It lives in schools in coastal areas and is found at depths of up to 150 meters.
Distribution
The common anchovy is found throughout the eastern Atlantic, from the coast of Norway north of Bergen to South Africa. This species is also found in the Baltic Sea, the English Channel, and the North Sea; it is also widespread throughout the Mediterranean basin, including the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.