Anchovies are members of the herring order.
The northern anchovy is easily recognized by it's extremely long upper jaw. The fish is elongated, blue-green on the back with silver sides and belly. Northern anchovies reach about 25 cm in length and have a life span of about 7 years. Adult anchovy prefer to spawn in water temperatures that range from 13 C to 18 C and most reside in warmer southern waters. In British Columbia, anchovy spawn in July and August.