European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus (equal Engraulis enchrasicholus)) is found from the Mediterranean north to Norway and Sweden. This small anchovy does not exceed 6 inches in length. The lower jaw only extends forward to about the eye. This anchovy is commercially hunted as this species is the anchovy most used for human food.

The anchovies are found worldwide, but are more common in warm and tropical waters. There are about 100 species in the family. These are usually long snouted small fragile fish that usually do not exceed 4 inches in length. Migdalski warns there have been numerous name changes in this family.

The herring order (Clupeiformes) is found worldwide in marine environments. Several species are found in freshwater. The anchovies (Engraulidae), the wolf herrings (Chirocentridae), and the typical herrings (Clupeidae) belong here.

Bony fish, Class Teleostomi, are a class of chordates that include the majority of fish-like animals found on earth. They are characterized by a bony jaw and a bony skeleton. They are found in both fresh and marine waters.

Backboned Animals (Phylum Chordata) are the most advanced group of animals on earth. These animals are characterized by having a spinal cord or backbone. Most members have a clearly defined brain that controls the organism through a spinal cord. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are in this phylum.

Currently, some taxonomists believe that the fish should be divided into two groups (sharks and regular fishes) and that there are some other primitive groups in the phylum such as hagfish or lampreys.

Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

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