NOAA Fisheries Image Gallery

School of Northern Anchovies

Picture by: Unknown Picture taken on: March 31st, 2011

Tags: southwest fish anchovy

Estuaries and bays provide important habitat for the northern anchovy, which spends significant time in these habitats. Primarily feeding on planktonic crustaceans and fish larvae, the northern anchovy in turn is an important food source for many species of fish, including California halibut, rock fish, yellow tail tuna, shark, chinook, and coho salmon. It is also important prey for marine mammals and birds. For example, the breeding success of California brown pelicans and elegant terns is strongly correlated with anchovy abundance.

Related Story: School of Northern Anchovies