Larvae transform into juveniles in approximately 70 days. Egg and larval survival probably determines subsequent year-class strength. Essentially every predatory fish, bird, and mammal in the California current eats anchovies. Production of California brown pelican and elegant tern is strongly correlated with anchovy abundance. Juveniles range in size from 25-140 mm in length.
Maximum age is seven years, but most live for four years.
Maximum size is about 230 mm, although most are not over 158 mm in length. Age and growth rates have been calculated for anchovies in California. The northern anchovy does not make extensive migrations but does have inshore-offshore movements as well as along shore. In the Pacific northwest, juveniles and adults move into estuaries during spring and summer and then out during fall. Adults and juveniles also show some diel movements during the summer, staying at depths of 60-100 fm during the day and coming to the surface at night.