Fishes of the family Engraulidae, commonly known as anchovies, are small, slender, schooling fishes found in marine, brackish, and occasionally freshwater environments worldwide, particularly in tropical and temperate regions. They are typically characterized by an elongate, laterally compressed body, silvery sides, and a large mouth with the upper jaw extending well behind the eye, a key feature that distinguishes them from similar fishes such as sardines. Most species range from 5 to 20 cm in length and possess a single dorsal fin, a forked caudal fin, and a ventral keel formed by a series of scutes. Engraulids are planktivorous, feeding mainly on phytoplankton and zooplankton, which they capture by filter feeding or particulate feeding depending on species and prey size. They often form dense schools, an adaptation that reduces predation risk and enhances feeding efficiency.