European anchovy
Engraulis encrasicolus
Engraulis encrasicolus is a small pelagic fish, commonly known as the European anchovy, that typically grows to about 10–15 cm in length.
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About this species
Species identity
Engraulis encrasicolus is a small pelagic fish, commonly known as the European anchovy, that typically grows to about 10–15 cm in length. It lives in coastal and shelf waters, where it forms large, mobile schools in the upper layers of the ocean. Its slender, silvery body and large mouth are adapted for filtering small particles from the surrounding water.
Where it lives
The European anchovy lives in temperate and warm waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is common along the coasts of Europe and northwest Africa, and it is widespread in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
It also occurs in the North Sea and even reaches into parts of the Baltic Sea, where waters are cooler and less salty.
This species prefers coastal and shelf waters where plankton is plentiful. It often gathers in large schools in productive areas influenced by currents, river outflow, or seasonal plankton blooms.
Role in the ecosystem
European anchovy helps explain how marine food webs function through its ecological role, habitat use, and connection to broader ecosystem change.
Scientific reference
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