Family EngraulidaeAnchovies Selected Characters: Long snout projecting beyond mouth; upper jaw extending well behind eye; one dorsal fin, no adipose fin; no lateral line; no fin spines. This is a large family whose members are found in warm oceans and occasionally in freshwater. Anchovies are schooling fishes which usually feed on plankton. They are important food sources for a variety of fishes, mammals and birds. Humans use anchovies for food, bait, and oil. There are 139 species in this family, one of which occurs in Puget Sound. The Northern Anchovy may grow as long as 25 cm, but is usually less than 18 cm. Anchovies are fairly common in Puget Sound. Puget Sound Species Engraulis mordax Northern Anchovy |