COMMON MARINE FISHES 



33 



Photo by Al Johns for 

 Haden & Carpenter, San Pedro 



DEEP-BODIED ANCHOVY 

 Anchoa compressa 



Relationship: A member of the anchovy family, Engraulidae, which includes 

 two other California species, the northern and the slough anchovies. 



Distinguishing Characters: The short, single dorsal fin; the lack of a lateral 

 line ; the extremely large mouth, the maxillary extending back almost to the edge of the 

 gill cover ; the deep, thin body, its depth about equalling the length of the head ; the 

 length of the base of the anal fin being much greater than the length of the head (in 

 the slough anchovy, the length of the anal base about equals the head length). Length 

 to about 6 inches. Color: Pale translucent green, a bright horizontal silvery band 

 extending the length of the body and shading downward on the lower part of the side. 



Distribution: Pt. Conception south into Lower California. A schooling fish. 



Fishing Season: Not taken in sufficient quantity to show a seasonal trend. 

 As a rule it is taken accidentally with other species. 



Importance: Small amounts are used as live bait. Rarely appears in the market 

 catch. 



Fishing Gear: Round haul nets. 



Unauthorized Name: Sprat. 



