These abundant fish are usually three-four inches in length. They have large scales, a large gaping mouth and a deeply forked tail. They lack scales on their head and have an abdominal pelvic fins and a small dorsal fin. These fish are closely related to herring. They travel in large schools. Bay anchovies are an essential link in the food web between microscopic producers and consumers. One danger is that with the loss of wetlands, bay anchovies will lose spawning, feeding, and nursery grounds.
Bay anchovies are consumed by weakfish. Bay anchovies, like blue crabs, are secondary consumers in the Bay ecosystem.