European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Sardina pilchardus
- Common name
- European pilchard
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Alosidae
- Genus
- Sardina
- Size
- 15–30 cm
- Depth
- 10–100 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- schooling, migratory
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Sardina pilchardus reaches 30 cm. Small brilliantly silver fusiform fish with blue-green back, flanks sometimes showing a subtle row of black spots. Smaller than its cousin the herring. Forms large pelagic schools in the NE Atlantic (Norway to Senegal) and Mediterranean. Important traditional fishery in Brittany (canneries), Portugal (grilled) and the Mediterranean. Population under climate pressure: warming and shifting ranges.
Photo of European pilchard
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the European pilchard?
- European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) reaches 15–30 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the European pilchard?
- European pilchard is found between 10–100 m deep.
- Is the European pilchard dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the European pilchard?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the European pilchard?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Alosidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126421)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2413224)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia