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FISH GUIDE · Sea

European anchovy: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Engraulis encrasicolus

A small shoaling pelagic fish, distinct from the sardine. This sheet covers identification and documented incidental rod-and-line encounters; it does not propose a targeted anchovy recipe.

Catalogue names : Anchois. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Found in the eastern Atlantic from southern Norway to South Africa, in the Mediterranean and Black Sea; DORIS also lists the North Sea and more occasional presence in the Baltic.

  • Documented presence : Eastern Atlantic
  • Documented presence : Mediterranean Sea
  • Documented presence : Black Sea
  • Documented presence : North Sea
  • Documented presence : Baltic Sea

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

A projecting snout above a large mouth extending behind the eye.

Habitat

Coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean; it may enter estuaries and lagoons.

Diet

Animal plankton: small crustaceans and various larvae.

Behaviour

It forms mobile shoals. Other small pelagic fish may be present, requiring careful identification.

Indicative biological size

A common length of 7–15 cm according to FAO; the range depends on population.

Fishing context and precautions

In the 2015–2017 Aegean study, 33 anchovies were incidental catches on horse-mackerel çaparí rigs. This finding does not calibrate French targeting. For an incidental fish to be released, CNR’s general precautions are to unhook in the water where possible and minimise contact; no anchovy-specific survival is demonstrated.

A distinctive feature

Its scales are deciduous and detach easily.

The eggs are pelagic, elliptical or oval.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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