Family Engraulidae - anchovies
Anchovies are small silvery fishes which travel in large schools in coastal
waters. Distributed worldwide, anchovies serve as an important forage fish for a
variety of fishes and birds. They are commercially harvested for human
consumption, bait fish and reduction into fish meal.
Northern anchovy- Engraulis mordax
Remarks: Most abundant in
the bay in scattered schools during the late summer and fall. Caught outside the
bay by commercial fishers for the bait and reduction industries. This fish is an
integral part of the marine food web; a food source for larger fishes, marine
birds and sea mammals.
Identification: A long and low set
mouth with a pointed snout identify the anchovies. This species is round in
cross section and the anal fin begins at the rear of the dorsal fin. Body is
blue or green above and silver below with a length of 23m.
Range:
Baja California to the Queen Charlotte Islands. Normally an offshore
pelagic species but often enters estuaries.