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The Scaled Sardine (Harengula jaguana) is a small, schooling clupeid fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by its silvery body, compressed shape, and distinctive scales. These fish play a crucial role in marine food webs as a forage species for a wide array of predators.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Silvery sides, darker bluish-green dorsal surface. A faint dark spot may be present behind the upper operculum.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Strongly compressed body, Large, deciduous scales (easily shed), A distinct mid-ventral keel formed by scutes, Absence of a dark spot on the shoulder (distinguishes from some similar species)
- Dorsal fin
- Single, short-based dorsal fin located mid-body.
- Tail fin
- Deeply forked caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Relatively small, low-set pectoral fins.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins originate anterior to the dorsal fin origin.
Identification Tips
Scales
Observe the large, easily shed scales, which are a key characteristic. The lateral line is absent or very faint.
Body Shape
Note the strongly compressed, silvery body. The belly has a sharp, serrated keel formed by specialized scales (scutes).
Fin Origin
The pelvic fins originate anterior to the dorsal fin origin, a useful distinguishing feature from some other clupeids.
Absence of Shoulder Spot
Unlike some other sardine species, Harengula jaguana typically lacks a prominent dark spot on the shoulder behind the gill cover.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters, from the surface down to about 70 meters (230 feet).
- Environment
- Coastal pelagic and neritic zones, often associated with estuaries, bays, and nearshore reefs. Forms large schools.
- Geographic range
- Western Atlantic Ocean, from New Jersey (USA) south to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: advanced
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: filter_feeder
- Minimum tank size: 200 gallons
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Best kept in large schools with other peaceful, similarly sized pelagic species. Avoid aggressive or predatory fish.
- Special requirements: Requires a very large tank with strong filtration and ample open swimming space. Sensitive to water quality fluctuations. Live planktonic food sources are essential for long-term health.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Present year-round, but abundance can vary seasonally with spawning aggregations and environmental conditions.
- Market price: Low (primarily used as bait or for reduction to fishmeal)
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, oily
- Texture: Soft, flaky
- Cooking methods: Fried, Grilled, Smoked, Canned
- Nutritional value: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and Vitamin D.
Key Facts
Forage Fishbehavior
Scaled Sardines are a critical forage species, forming a vital link in the marine food web, supporting numerous predatory fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
They are highly schooling fish, forming dense aggregations that can number in the thousands or millions, a defense mechanism against predators.
Bait Fishinteresting
Due to their abundance and schooling behavior, Scaled Sardines are a popular and effective bait fish for recreational and commercial fisheries.
Rapid Growthbehavior
Scaled Sardines exhibit relatively rapid growth and a short lifespan, typical of many small pelagic clupeids.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required. They are not venomous and do not possess sharp spines that pose a significant threat. Their scales are easily shed, so handling may result in scale loss.
Similar Species
Atlantic Thread Herring
Opisthonema oglinum
Possesses a long, filamentous last dorsal fin ray, which is absent in Harengula jaguana. Also, the body is generally deeper.
Redear Sardine
Harengula humeralis
Often has a reddish spot behind the operculum and a more pronounced dark spot on the shoulder. The scales are generally more adherent.
Spanish Sardine
Sardinella aurita
Generally larger, with a more rounded body cross-section and a less pronounced ventral keel. The scales are smaller and more adherent.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Clupeiformes
- Family
- Clupeidae
- Genus
- Harengula
- Species
- jaguana
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