Fish diurnal

Striped Anchovy

Anchoa hepsetus

A shimmering marvel of the Atlantic coast, the Striped Anchovy is the engine of the ocean's food web. Recognized by its brilliant silver racing stripe, this small but mighty fish turns coastal waters into a flash of living light.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically reaches 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) in length

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Colors

Translucent grey-green upper body with fine black speckling; a prominent, wide silvery stripe runs along the side from head to tail; iridescent white or silver belly

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Key Features

Prominent broad silver lateral stripe
Large mouth with a distinctive underslung lower jaw
Pointed snout that overhangs the mouth
Elongated, streamlined body shape
Anal fin begins directly under the end of the dorsal fin

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 7 AM - 11 AM and 3 PM - 6 PM

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Season Spring and Summer (spawning occurs in spring)

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Diet Planktivorous; feeds on copepods when young, progressing to small crustaceans, mollusks, and worm larvae as they mature.

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Habitat Coastal shorelines, estuaries, salt marshes, and shallow bays; occasionally found at depths up to 73 meters.

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Behavior

Striped Anchovies are highly social, schooling fish that move in tight, shimmering formations. This schooling behavior serves as a primary defense mechanism, creating a 'silver flash' effect that confuses predators like bluefish, seatrout, and coastal birds. They are predominantly found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bays, where they move with the tides to follow concentrations of plankton.

Unlike many other fish species, Striped Anchovies are relatively short-lived and fast-growing, reaching maturity quickly to support their massive population numbers. They are most active during the day when they can see their tiny prey, though they may move toward the surface or into brighter areas of the dock at night if artificial lights are present.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Striped Anchovy requires a waterproof action camera or a dedicated underwater trail camera system. For those with waterfront property, the best results are achieved by mounting the camera to a dock piling or pier leg about 2 to 4 feet below the low-tide line. Angle the lens slightly upward toward the surface to capture the shimmering effect of sunlight hitting their silver lateral stripes, which makes them pop against the darker water.

To attract a school into the camera's field of view, consider using a 'chum' bag filled with finely ground fish meal or breadcrumbs, but the most effective 'lure' for these fish is often a underwater light. A green or white LED submersible light placed near the camera at night will attract the zooplankton that anchovies feed on, often bringing hundreds of fish directly in front of your lens in a swirling bait ball.

Because these fish move exceptionally fast, set your camera to a high frame rate (at least 60fps) to avoid motion blur. If your camera has a 'burst' mode for stills, use it to capture the perfect moment when the school turns in unison. Clear water is essential for good footage, so try to time your recording for an hour after high tide when the incoming ocean water has settled and visibility is at its peak.

In a backyard setting with a salt marsh or tidal creek, you can also use a weighted 'tripod' rig set on the sandy bottom. Ensure the camera is stable, as tidal currents can cause vibration that will spook the school. Spring is the best time for high-activity footage, as this is when they migrate into shallower waters in massive numbers to spawn.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Striped Anchovy.

Bay Anchovy

Smaller with a much narrower, less distinct silver stripe and a longer anal fin that starts under the middle of the dorsal fin.

Silver Silverside

Has two separate dorsal fins and a much smaller mouth compared to the large, underslung jaw of the anchovy.

Atlantic Menhaden

Deeper, more wedge-shaped body with a dark spot behind the gill cover and no bright silver lateral stripe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Striped Anchovies are primarily diurnal, meaning they are most active during daylight hours when they hunt for plankton near the water's surface. However, they are frequently drawn to dock lights at night.

The best way to attract them is by using a submersible green LED light at night, which draws in the microscopic organisms they eat. You can also use fine ground bait or chum to encourage a school to linger near your camera rig.

They are filter feeders that primarily consume copepods and other zooplankton. As they grow larger, their diet expands to include tiny crustaceans, mollusk larvae, and small marine worms.

Yes, they are incredibly common in suburban estuaries, lagoons, and canals along the Atlantic coast from Chesapeake Bay down to the West Indies, especially during the warmer spring and summer months.

The Striped Anchovy (Anchoa hepsetus) has a much broader and more distinct silver stripe than the Bay Anchovy. Additionally, the Striped Anchovy's anal fin is shorter and starts further back, usually behind the end of the dorsal fin.

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