We analyzed the effect that feeding rations have on gonad maturation, mature gonad performance, and the redistribution of the energy taken up by the gonads, muscle, and body fat in captive specimens of Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens). These results help us understand the reproductive processes occurring in the natural environment given changes in the environmental factors such as El Niño and La Niña events, which heavily affect the ecosystem and fisheries in the East Pacific. The specimens required 45 days under optimal feeding conditions (46.1 cal g-1 fish day-1) and at a temperature of 16,5°C to go from an unyolked to a vitellogenic stage. Those females fed 138.3 cal g-1 fish day-1 reached maximum vitellogenesis in 30 days. Despite the excessive amount of food, the specimens' muscle mass did not increase. However, greater body fat accumulation and larger vitellogenic ovocytes were observed, indicating augmented energy storage for the female and her offspring. The yolked oocytes from fish fed 46.1 cal g-1 fish day-1 became atretic earlier than oocytes from fish fed 138.3 cal g-1 fish day-1. Although the food supply was adequate, the females did not spawn during the experiment. In males, food availability also accelerated gonad maturation, but the release of sperm was apparently conditioned by the presence of females with ovocytes in the advanced vitellogenic stage.