Where Does European Anchovy Live?

European Anchovy lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find European Anchovy

Water type

saltwater

Depth

Typically found in coastal waters, estuaries, and lagoons, from the surface down to about 400 meters, but most commonly in the upper 100 meters.

Environment

Pelagic, schooling fish, preferring warm to temperate waters. Often found over sandy or muddy bottoms, but also in open water. Tolerant of a wide range of salinities, including brackish conditions.

Geographic range

Widespread in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, English Channel, and Bay of Biscay; the Mediterranean Sea; and the Black Sea. Its range extends south along the African coast to Angola.

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