Glass Minnow, Common Anchovy, Whitebait, Mitchill's Anchovy
Anchoa mitchilli
Description:
Small, compressed and streamlined body that tapers towards a forked tail with a single spineless dorsal fin. Coloration of upper body varies from gray and silver to greenish, parts of body may appear translucent. Rounded/blunt snout. May have thin silver stripe following path of lateral line down both sides of the body. Large terminal, underslung mouth that extends past eye.
Average Maximum Size:
10 cm (4 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Bay Anchovy is smaller and less robust than the Striped Anchovy, and its horizontal silver stripe is smaller in width than the eye and tends to fade quickly after death. The Bay Anchovy's snout is also less pointed than the Striped Anchovy. Both anchovy species can be differentiated by their large mouths when compared to the smaller, potrusible mouth of the Atlantic Silverside, and the fact that Atlantic Silversides have two separated dorsal fins.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
Maine to Gulf of Mexico
Habitat:
Found in bays and estuaries. Can be found in tidal saltwater, brackish water, and freshwater with muddy bottoms. Forms schools in the water column from mid-water up to near the surface.
