Anchoveta

Head large and deep. Snout short and pointed, about 2/3 eye diameter; maxilla moderate, tip blunt, just failing to reach lower jaw articulation; lower gill rakers fine and numerous, increasing in large fishes; no gill rakers on posterior face of third epibranchial. Branchiostegal rays 8, long and slender; branchiostegal membrane broad. Silver stripe disappearing at about 8-10 cm SL.

Oviparous (Ref. 35602).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 17 - 24

Occurs down to 9 m depth and forming quite large schools which seems to break up and reform rather rapidly; found principally over mud flats, apparently not making long migrations along sandy or rocky areas to other suitable mud flats, although other migrations occur.

Occurs inshore, principally over mud flats and forming quite large schools. Apparently not making long migrations along sandy or rocky areas. Juveniles feed principally on diatoms, also silico-flagellates, dinoflagellates and small crustaceans; adults also mainly on benthic diatoms. Used as tuna baitfish. Processed into fishmeal and oil.

fisheries: highly commercial; bait: usually; price category: medium; price reliability: reliable: based on ex-vessel price for this species