How to Identify Round Sardinella

To identify Round Sardinella (Sardinella aurita), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal side is dark blue to greenish-blue, fading to silvery flanks and a white belly. A prominent golden or yellowish stripe often runs along the sides, especially in live specimens. A small, indistinct dark spot may be present at the posterior edge of the gill cover.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, sub-cylindrical body, less compressed than many other sardine species., A distinct golden or yellowish longitudinal stripe along the flanks, often fading after death., Absence of dark spots on the body (distinguishing it from some other Sardinella species)., Last two anal fin rays are enlarged.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, centrally located, with 17-19 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, symmetrical lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively short, located low on the body, with 15-17 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small, located beneath the dorsal fin origin. Anal fin has 17-20 soft rays, with the last two rays often appearing enlarged or separated.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for an elongated, more rounded (less compressed) body compared to other sardines or herrings.

2. 2

   Lateral Stripe

   Observe for a distinct golden or yellowish stripe running horizontally along the flanks, especially noticeable in fresh specimens.

3. 3

   Absence of Spots

   Note the lack of prominent dark spots along the sides of the body, which helps differentiate it from some other Sardinella species.

4. 4

   Last Anal Fin Rays

   Examine the anal fin; the last two rays are typically enlarged and somewhat separated from the rest.

5. 5

   Gill Rakers

   Count the gill rakers on the lower limb of the first gill arch; S. aurita typically has 70-100, a high number compared to many other clupeids.

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