Fishes of the Western North Atlantic 153 



nized, 44 from the Atlantic and 32 from the Pacific, including one species common 

 to both coasts of tropical America. For the Atlantic species that come within the scope 

 of this work, see the Table of Contents. 



Commercial Importance. Some anchovies, because of their tremendous abundance, 

 are of considerable importance. Some are canned whole or are used in the production 

 of anchovy paste, and larger species are commonly sold fresh in the market, as in 

 South America; they are also used extensively as bait. But their value as a forage fish 

 for water birds and creatures that frequent the sea far exceeds their direct value to 

 man. Many of the larger commercially important fishes, such as the seatrout, bluefish, 

 and mackerels, feed on them extensively. 



Range. Representatives of the family occur in the warmer shore waters through- 

 out the world. Some of the species ascend freshwater streams, and probably a few live 

 entirely in fresh water. The Engraulidae are most numerous in tropical regions, but 

 several species either range into temperate waters or live there permanently. 



Key to Genera of the Western North Atlantic 



I a. Gill covers not connected across isthmus by a membrane. 



2 a. Teeth in jaws small or minute, all of about uniform size. 



3a. Origin of anal fin posterior to origin of dorsal; tip of pelvic fin usually 

 below origin of dorsal. 



4 a. Maxillary more or less sharply pointed distally, generally reaching 

 well beyond joint of mandible, often to margin of opercle, or 

 nearly so. 



5 a. Gill rakers close-set, increasing in number with age, 40—50 in 

 young, about 130 in adults, on lower limb of first arch; body 

 depth usually more than i^^l^ of length; maximum size about 

 250 mm. Anchovia Jordan and Evermann 1896, p. 155. 



5 b. Gill rakers not close-set, only about 15-30 on lower limb, not 

 known to increase in number with age; body depth usually 

 less than 250/0 of length; maximum size generally under 

 150 mm. Anchoa Jordan and Evermann 1927, p. 162. 



4 b. Maxillary square or rounded distally, rarely reaching joint of man- 

 dible. Anchoviella Fowler 191 i, p. 204. 

 3b. Origin of anal fin in advance of dorsal origin, rarely under it; tip of 

 pelvic fin anterior to a vertical from dorsal origin by a distance equal 

 to about 5o'/o of head. 



6 a. Distance of dorsal fin origin from tip of snout much less than 

 twice the distance from dorsal origin to caudal base; gill rakers 

 short and broad, only about 14 on lower limb of first arch; anal 

 with 30-33 rays. Pterengraulis Gunther 1868, p. 228. 



