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Ray-finned Fishes of Zihuatanejo

CLASS ACTINOPTERYGII

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Ray-finned Fishes (Class Actinopterygii)

-Herrings (Order Clupeiformes)

-Suborder Clupeoidei

-Anchovies (Family Engraulidae)


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.

Diet

  • Anchovies are primarily plankton feeders, taking zooplankton—especially small crustaceans—and other suspended organisms. They filter food from the water with their gill rakers; a few larger species also consume small fishes and other prey.

Range

  • Engraulidae occurs worldwide in tropical and temperate seas. Most species are marine, although some regularly enter estuaries and freshwater.

  • Anchovies occur in the Zihuatanejo region, including estuarine and lagoon environments.

Habitat

  • Most species are pelagic and form schools in shallow coastal waters, bays, estuaries and lagoons, although some occur farther offshore. They are particularly common in productive or turbid coastal waters.

Description

  • Anchovies are generally small, slender, silvery fishes, commonly 8–15 cm long, although some species reach about 30–35 cm. They have an elongate or slightly compressed body, a prominent conical snout projecting beyond the lower jaw, and a long mouth extending well behind the eye. The lower jaw is slender and set beneath the head. A single short dorsal fin is positioned near the middle of the body, while the pelvic fins lie behind the pectoral fins.

Anchovies

Engraulidae (Family)

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