Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Gulf of Mexico) - Bay Anchovy and Striped Anchovy

摘要

Species profiles are literature summaries of the taxonomy, morphology, range, life history, and environmental requirements of coastal aquatic species. They are prepared to assist in environmental impact assessment. The bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli) is one of the most abundant pelagic estuarine species and the striped anchovy (Anchoa hepsetus) is a common pelagic estuarine species along the entire coast of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Both fish are important forage species because of their abundance and small size. Length-weight relationships of the bay anchovy and striped anchovy are similar. Zooplankters (especially copepods) constitute the major portion of the diet of both species. Bay anchovies and striped anchovies have been taken from water with temperatures ranging from 4.5 to 39.8C and 15.0 to 34.9C, respectively. Bay anchovies occur more often at low salinities than do striped anchovies.