Anchovies - Kokowhawha

Anchovies are common around New Zealand's North Island, forming dense surface schools. They are 8–12 cm long, silver with an iridescent blue-green back for camouflage. Anchovies group tightly to evade predators, using many eyes to stay alert. They are a key food source for fish like kahawai, mackerel, and kingfish, as well as dolphins, seabirds, and gannets. Large foraging groups often form around these schools.