Engraulidae

Engraulidae is a family of small, schooling marine fishes commonly known as anchovies. They belong to the order Clupeiformes and are distributed in coastal, estuarine, and, in some regions, open-ocean waters around the world, with a strong presence in productive temperate and tropical habitats.

Members of Engraulidae are generally slender and laterally compressed, typically ranging from about 5 to 15 centimeters in length, though some species may exceed this size. They possess a small, protrusible mouth and a row of sharp, blade-like gill rakers that aid in filtering plankton from the water as they swim with mouths open. Their coloration is often silvery, aiding camouflage in the open-water environment.

Ecology and behavior are characterized by dense schooling and high migratory tendencies. Anchovies feed mainly on plankton, including phytoplankton and very small zooplankton, using their gill rakers to sieve food. They form extensive schools that attract predators such as larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, making them a key prey item in many marine ecosystems.

Reproduction in many anchovy species is pelagic, producing buoyant eggs that drift with currents. Growth is typically rapid, and lifespans are relatively short, contributing to relatively fast population responses to environmental changes.

Economically, anchovies are among the most important small pelagic fishes. They are harvested for direct human consumption in some regions and for the production of fish meal, oil, and canned products elsewhere. Management of Engraulidae stocks often emphasizes catch limits and seasonal protections to maintain ecological balance and fishery viability.