When anchovies swim with their mouths open, they are feeding on plankton in the water.
Allie Caulfield: August 20, 2011
Taxonomic description
Small and thin- typically grow up to seven inches. [1, 2, 3]
Has a large mouth and a long, protruding snout. [1,2]
Blue-green color on top, and lustrous silver below. [1,2,4]
Has a silver stripe along its side in adulthood. [1,2]
Distribution
Found along the West Coast of North America from British Columbia down to the Baja California, Mexico, as well as the Gulf of California. [4, 5]
In the United States, this species is subdivided into two populations, one sub-population off of Oregon and Washington and the other ranging from California to Baja, California. [1,2]
Life history
Has a short life cycle- can spawn at two years and live four to seven years. [1,2,4]
Naturally high mortality rate, 45-55% of populations die of natural causes a year. [1,2]
Spawns year-round, but most frequently in the winter and spring. [2,4,6]
The eggs are released in batches every 7-10 days, and hatching depends on the temperature of the water- typically between 2-4 days. [2,4]
This species fertilizes through broadcast spawning. [4]
Habitat
Lives in pelagic areas, usually within 30km from the shore. [6]
Is a critical aspect of the food web. [1,4]
Serves as food for many species of fish, marine mammals, and birds. [4]
Hosts endoparasites. [4]
For protection against predators, this species forms schools. [4]
Though it is a filter feeder, it uses scent to find prey. [8]
A study has concluded that it can mistake the smell of plastics smells for food. [8]
THE FISHERY
A large distribution helps to stabilize the anchovy population.
Robert Brigham/NOAA fisheries collection
Seasonal availability
Available year-round. [1]
Regulatory and managing authority
Managed federally by the NOAA fisheries and, as established by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) through the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (CPSFMP). [1]
As established by the Marine Life Management Act, the California Fish and Game Commission (CFGC) regulates the fishery in state waters, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) collects data and helps enforce FMP management rules for this fishery through the Pelagic Fisheries and Ecosystems Program. [12,14]
The California Wetfish Producers Association combines input from the industry and government entities to inform regulatory and management measures for this fishery. [13]
Gear type
Predominantly caught with purse seines, but also with lampara nets. [6,9]
Status of the fishery
Population levels are unknown, but thought to be abundant. [1,4]
Stock assessments are not done on subpopulations, but data to help monitor populations has been collected. [1]
Both northern and central sub-populations have defined overfishing limits. [1]
Population is considered to be stable and of least concern by IUCN Red List. [4,6]
Its large distribution, including in Marine Protected Areas, mitigates threat. [6]
Potential ecosystem impacts
Because the gear uses functions near the surface, there is minimal habitat destruction. [1]
THE SEAFOOD
Anchovies can mistake the smell of plastic for food, which can in turn be harmful for human consumption.
Stijn Nieuwendijk/flickr
Edible portions
The entire body can be eaten after removing the head and guts. [7]
The bones are also edible. [7]
Description of meat
Fresh anchovies are soft, canned anchovies are firm. [2]
The color of the meat depends on the way it is being used:
Due to salt-curing, canned anchovies are light red. [2]
Fresh is gray when raw, off-white when cooked. [2]
Culinary uses
Can be eaten fresh, but is most commonly preserved in cans or jars. [10,11]
Commonly used in sauces and dressings, such as Caesar salad dressing. [10]
When anchovies swim with their mouths open, they are feeding on plankton in the water.
Allie Caulfield: August 20, 2011
Taxonomic description
Small and thin- typically grow up to seven inches. [1, 2, 3]
Has a large mouth and a long, protruding snout. [1,2]
Blue-green color on top, and lustrous silver below. [1,2,4]
Has a silver stripe along its side in adulthood. [1,2]
Distribution
Found along the West Coast of North America from British Columbia down to the Baja California, Mexico, as well as the Gulf of California. [4, 5]
In the United States, this species is subdivided into two populations, one sub-population off of Oregon and Washington and the other ranging from California to Baja, California. [1,2]
Life history
Has a short life cycle- can spawn at two years and live four to seven years. [1,2,4]
Naturally high mortality rate, 45-55% of populations die of natural causes a year. [1,2]
Spawns year-round, but most frequently in the winter and spring. [2,4,6]
The eggs are released in batches every 7-10 days, and hatching depends on the temperature of the water- typically between 2-4 days. [2,4]
This species fertilizes through broadcast spawning. [4]
Habitat
Lives in pelagic areas, usually within 30km from the shore. [6]
Is a critical aspect of the food web. [1,4]
Serves as food for many species of fish, marine mammals, and birds. [4]
Hosts endoparasites. [4]
For protection against predators, this species forms schools. [4]
Though it is a filter feeder, it uses scent to find prey. [8]
A study has concluded that it can mistake the smell of plastics smells for food. [8]
A large distribution helps to stabilize the anchovy population.
Robert Brigham/NOAA fisheries collection
Seasonal availability
Available year-round. [1]
Regulatory and managing authority
Managed federally by the NOAA fisheries and, as established by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) through the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (CPSFMP). [1]
As established by the Marine Life Management Act, the California Fish and Game Commission (CFGC) regulates the fishery in state waters, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) collects data and helps enforce FMP management rules for this fishery through the Pelagic Fisheries and Ecosystems Program. [12,14]
The California Wetfish Producers Association combines input from the industry and government entities to inform regulatory and management measures for this fishery. [13]
Gear type
Predominantly caught with purse seines, but also with lampara nets. [6,9]
Status of the fishery
Population levels are unknown, but thought to be abundant. [1,4]
Stock assessments are not done on subpopulations, but data to help monitor populations has been collected. [1]
Both northern and central sub-populations have defined overfishing limits. [1]
Population is considered to be stable and of least concern by IUCN Red List. [4,6]
Its large distribution, including in Marine Protected Areas, mitigates threat. [6]
Potential ecosystem impacts
Because the gear uses functions near the surface, there is minimal habitat destruction. [1]
