Is a Sardine an Anchovy? Although they look similar and share many characteristics, both being oily fish, sardines and anchovies (or boquerones) are two different species. The similarities lie in their color and size, which are more or less alike. The main physical difference is in the mouth: the anchovy has a wide and elongated mouth, while the sardine has a small and short mouth. Similarly, the sardine has a more pronounced belly, while the anchovy is more slender. Whether sardine or anchovy, in summer, we should take advantage of their season to incorporate them more often into our menu. It is called 'sardina anchoada' because it undergoes the same maturation process as the anchovy, with layers of salt and a weight to press the fish, and a wait of between six months to one or two years. Afterward, it is cleaned of bones and skin, served or packaged with olive or sunflower oil, or even a mix of both.