General features: this species is sometimes confused by a layman with sardine. Even though both sardine and anchovy belong to the same group of common fish, their pecularities make it almost impossible to confuse the two species. Anchovy has a slim form, slightly compressed, with a smooth surface of the belly It is found in the Italian sea-waters and is common along our coastline.

From "Atlante dei pesci dei mari italiani" by Francesco Costa, Mursia 1991.