Range and natural history
It is common in some estuaries and sheltered bay backwaters, with occasional records just outside bays. Surveys in Newport Bay found it abundant in midwater schools, including summer and early autumn seine catches. Such local sampling describes use of that bay rather than a universal seasonal schedule.
It lays eggs, and both eggs and larvae occur in the plankton. The sheltered adult habitat and drifting early stages should both be considered when thinking about the waters this species uses.
Sources: Anchoa delicatissima species summary
