ExploreFish

European Anchovy

Engraulis encrasicolus

The European Anchovy is a small fish that is often found in warm waters. They are known for their strong flavor and are used in many dishes!

Habitat: Warm coastal waters

Appearance

The European Anchovy is a small, slender fish with a silvery-white belly and a bluish-green to black back. It has a distinctive pointed snout and a large mouth that extends behind its eye, setting it apart from other small schooling fish.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTeleosteiOrderClupeiformesFamilyEngraulidaeGenusEngraulis

European Anchovy

Interesting facts

Anchovy populations can change dramatically from year to year, sometimes booming and sometimes declining!

Despite their small size, anchovies are an incredibly important food source for many larger ocean animals.

Many ancient civilizations, like the Romans, used anchovies to make a famous fermented sauce called garum!

Their tiny, transparent eggs float freely in the ocean, drifting with currents until they hatch into larvae.

Special abilities

European Anchovy can detect tiny food particles with its sensitive olfactory organs, helping it find meals efficiently.

European Anchovy has evolved to swim in massive schools that helps them confuse predators and find safety in numbers.

European Anchovy has specialized gill rakers that help them filter-feed tiny plankton efficiently from the water.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-20 cm
Weight: 0.01-0.03 kg
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Swim Speed: 15 km/h
Max Depth: 400 m
Water Type: Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

These tiny fish are filter-feeders, straining microscopic plants and animals from the water.

Primary Foods

phytoplankton
zooplankton
larval crustaceans

Foraging Method

Filter Feeding

Ecological connections

eaten by

Atlantic Mackerel

Scomber scombrus

Mackerel are common predators of anchovy schools.

eaten by

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Thunnus thynnus

Tuna rely heavily on anchovies as a vital food source.

eaten by

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellis

Gulls dive into anchovy schools for easy meals.

eaten by

Harbor Porpoise

Phocoena phocoena

Porpoises actively hunt anchovies in coastal waters.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.

Aquatic

Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.

Marine

Dive into the vast, salty waters of the ocean, teeming with an incredible diversity of life, from tiny plankton to giant whales! It's a watery wonderland.