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Northern anchovy
(Engraulis mordax)

Identifying Characteristics and biology:

Long slender fish. Color ranges from blue or green on back and silver bellies. Anal fin begins at the back of the dorsal fin. These fish have large mouths for their size, and downward slanting. Adults max size ranges to about 9 inches. Can live to about 7 years, average 1 year old size is 4 to 5 inches long.

Range and Locations:

British Columbia to Baja. Some come into the Gulf of California. Most common from Point Conception onward South. They can be found from at the surface to 1000 feet deep, and from the surf zone to 300 miles offshore.

Market Forms:

Canned, oil packed, dried, fresh.

Closing Remarks:

What am I famous for? In the US: Swimming in the bait tank, Pizza toppings, Salads as a component of Caesar Dressing. I'm also found in Worchestershire Sauce. Around the world: Tapas—whole or roasted, main exporter is Chile, and can be found in many fish sauces as a base for dishes.