The population dynamics of the juvenile anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus (N equal to 2,564) was studied using monthly length and weight frequency data (August 1989 - March 1991) from the central part of the Adriatic Sea (Novigrad Sea and Karin Sea). The Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as L approximately equal to 13.2 cm total length, K equal to 0.82 per year and t0 equal to -0.5. Mortality rates for all fish, estimated from a length converted catch curve were as follows: total mortality was Z equal to 1.664 per year, fishing mortality F equal to 0.230 per year, with natural mortality M equal to 1.430 per year derived from Pauly's empirical formula. Exploitation rate was E equal to 0.139. Fifty per cent maturity was reached at 9.0 cm total length.