The objective of the study is a better understanding of recruitment variability in anchovy population. An Individual Based Model (IBM) is being developed for the full life cycle of anchovy. The early life stages are presented on this poster. The model is tested in a 1D-vertical framework for validation of the vertical distribution of modelled eggs and larvae against in-situ data. The dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory is the biological baseline for individual growth. We test its ability to simulate the observed growth curves between years with contrasted temperatures.