Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Mid-Atlantic). Bay Anchovy

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 important species in the Mid-Atlantic Region because it is a primary forage item for many economically important commercial and sport fishes. Bay anchovies are ubiquitous inhabitants of the Mid-Atlantic Region. In this area, spawning apparently occurs in estuarine waters when water temperatures are at least 12 C and salinities are over 10 ppt. Zooplankton constitutes the major portion of the diet of bay anchovies. They have been collected at water temperatures ranging from 2.2 to 27.1 C and from water salinities ranging from 0.0 to 80 ppt. Keywords Estuaries Fishes Populations Food Habits Bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli Life history Life cycles Embryology Reproduction physiology Spawning.