Sardina
Sardina is a genus of small, pelagic fish in the family Clupeidae. The genus includes a single living species, the European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus), and several extinct species. These fish are a vital part of the marine ecosystem, serving as a primary food source for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. They are also commercially important, with fisheries targeting Sardina species throughout their range.
Common Names
The European pilchard is known by various common names, including:
- Pilchard
- European pilchard
- Common pilchard
- Sardine
- Atlantic sardine
Characteristics
Sardina species share several characteristics, including:
- A streamlined, torpedo-shaped body
- A silvery-blue color with darker blue or green stripes along the sides
- A forked tail
- A single dorsal fin positioned in the middle of the body
- Small, cycloid scales
- A small mouth with numerous teeth
- A swim bladder
Environment
Sardina species are found in temperate and subtropical waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. They are pelagic fish, meaning they live in the open ocean, and typically form large schools, sometimes numbering in the millions.
Diet
Sardina species are filter feeders, consuming plankton, small invertebrates, and algae. They play a critical role in the marine food web by transferring energy from lower trophic levels to higher levels.
Reproduction
Sardina species reproduce by spawning, releasing eggs and sperm into the water. The eggs are pelagic, meaning they float freely in the water column. Larvae hatch from the eggs and undergo a series of developmental stages before reaching adulthood.