Species guide

How to catch Argentine anchovy

Engraulis anchoita

Stylized 2D illustration of Argentine anchovy
saltwaterEngraulidae

The Argentine anchovy is a small, elongated saltwater fish found in dense schools off the coasts of Argentina and Uruguay. It feeds on zooplankton using both filtering and particulate feeding methods. This species is not considered a game fish but plays a key role in coastal marine ecosystems.

Where they live

Found in coastal Atlantic waters off southern Uruguay and northern Argentina, Argentine anchovies form dense schools between 30 and 200 meters deep, moving seasonally offshore and north-south along the coast.

Typical size

Up to about 17 cm

What they eat

  • zooplankton
  • crustacean eggs
  • tiny crustaceans
  • copepod larvae
  • small invertebrates

Best baits

  • small shrimp
  • fish eggs
  • plankton-based bait

Best lures

  • small jigs
  • tiny soft plastics
  • micro spoons

How to fish for them

  • casting small lures near schools
  • trolling with tiny lures
  • using plankton-imitating bait

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How to catch Argentine anchovy | Bobbr