Eigenmann's anchovy (Anchoa eigenmannia) is a small, schooling fish native to the coastal and estuarine waters of the western Atlantic, particularly along the coasts of Central and South America. Characterized by its slender, translucent body and silvery stripe, this species plays an important role in local food webs and is harvested primarily for use as bait and, in some regions, for human consumption. The top countries engaged in the fishing of Eigenmann's anchovy are Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries operate along the Atlantic coastlines and in river estuaries. In these countries, the anchovy fishery supports local economies and provides employment, with catches often processed into fishmeal, animal feed, or sold fresh in local markets. While not as globally significant as the Peruvian anchoveta fishery, the harvest of Eigenmann's anchovy remains a vital regional industry in northern South America.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 18 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.