Hai una foto? Identifica i pesci all'istante con l'app Fishby.
Apri l'appDescrizione
Sardina pilchardus, commonly known as the European Pilchard or Sardine, is a small, pelagic, schooling fish belonging to the family Clupeidae. It is a commercially important species, forming large schools in coastal and offshore waters. Its slender, fusiform body and silvery coloration are characteristic of many pelagic clupeids. This species plays a crucial ecological role as a forage fish, supporting a wide range of marine predators.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- torpedo
- Colorazione
- Dorsal side is typically dark blue to greenish-blue, fading to silvery flanks and a white belly. A series of faint, dark spots (usually 1-8) may be present along the flanks, particularly in larger individuals, though these can be indistinct.
- Tipo di squame
- cycloid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Elongated, fusiform body, slightly compressed laterally., Large, easily shed cycloid scales., Single, relatively short dorsal fin located midway along the back., Ventral fins positioned below the anterior part of the dorsal fin., Absence of scales on the head., Operculum with distinct radiating striae (ridges).
- Pinna dorsale
- Single, short dorsal fin with 13-21 soft rays, typically located anterior to the midpoint of the body.
- Pinna caudale
- Deeply forked caudal fin, symmetrical lobes.
- Pinna pettorale
- Relatively small, low-set pectoral fins.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally, below the anterior part of the dorsal fin. Anal fin is short, located far back on the body, with 12-23 soft rays.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Body Shape and Coloration
Slender, silvery body with a darker blue-green back. Look for the characteristic faint dark spots along the flanks, though their presence and number can vary.
Scales
Large, thin, and easily shed cycloid scales. The head is typically scaleless.
Operculum
Examine the operculum (gill cover) for distinct radiating ridges or striae, a key diagnostic feature for Sardina pilchardus.
Fin Position
Note the position of the pelvic fins, which are located directly below or slightly anterior to the origin of the dorsal fin.
Size
Adults typically range from 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) in total length, rarely exceeding 30 cm.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Primarily pelagic, inhabiting coastal and offshore waters from the surface down to approximately 150-200 meters, though typically found in the upper 50-100 meters.
- Ambiente
- Neritic and oceanic pelagic zones. Forms large, dense schools, often near the surface, especially at night or during feeding. Prefers temperate waters.
- Areale geografico
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Iceland and Norway south to Senegal, including the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and the Sea of Marmara. Most abundant off the coasts of Portugal, Spain, France, and the British Isles.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: expert
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: filter_feeder
- Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for typical home aquaria due to schooling behavior and size requirements; requires very large public aquarium setups.
- Temperatura: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
- Livello di pH: 7.8-8.4
- Durezza: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibilità: Only with other similarly sized, peaceful pelagic species in very large, specialized exhibits. Not suitable for mixed reef or community tanks.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires extremely large, open-water tanks with strong filtration and water movement to simulate pelagic conditions. Schooling behavior necessitates a large group. Highly sensitive to water quality and stress. Not typically kept by aquarists.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Peak fishing seasons vary geographically but generally occur during warmer months when fish are closer to the surface and actively feeding, or during spawning aggregations. Availability is year-round due to canning.
- Prezzo di mercato: Varies significantly by region, season, and processing (fresh, canned, frozen). Generally an affordable and widely consumed fish.
- Importanza commerciale: high
- Sapore: Rich, oily, distinctively savory, often described as 'fishy' in a pleasant way.
- Consistenza: Soft, flaky, moist, and tender.
- Metodi di cottura: Grilled, Baked, Fried, Smoked, Canned (in oil or sauce), Pickled
- Valore nutrizionale: Excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium. High in protein.
Fatti chiave
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Sardina pilchardus forms immense, dense schools, sometimes comprising millions of individuals. This schooling behavior is a primary defense mechanism against predators and facilitates feeding and reproduction.
Filter Feederbehavior
Despite their small size, European Pilchards are crucial filter feeders, consuming phytoplankton and zooplankton. They play a vital role in transferring energy from lower to higher trophic levels in marine ecosystems.
Commercial Importanceinteresting
The European Pilchard is one of the most commercially important fish species in Europe, particularly for canning. The term 'sardine' often refers to young pilchards or other small clupeids.
Migration Patternsbehavior
These fish undertake seasonal migrations, often moving closer to the coast and into shallower waters during warmer months for feeding and spawning, and retreating to deeper, offshore waters in winter.
Rapid Growth and Short Lifespaninteresting
Sardina pilchardus exhibits relatively rapid growth and a short lifespan, typically living for 3-5 years, though some individuals can reach up to 15 years. This life history strategy allows for quick population recovery under favorable conditions.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices. They are not venomous and do not possess sharp spines that pose a significant threat. Their scales are easily shed, which can make them slippery.
Specie simili
Round Sardinella
Sardinella aurita
Sardinella aurita generally has a more rounded body in cross-section, fewer and less distinct spots (or none) on the flanks, and lacks the prominent radiating striae on the operculum. Its pelvic fins are typically located posterior to the dorsal fin origin.
European Sprat
Sprattus sprattus
Sprattus sprattus is generally smaller, has a more pronounced keel of scutes along its belly, and its dorsal fin origin is typically posterior to the pelvic fin origin. It also lacks the opercular striae and flank spots of Sardina pilchardus.
Atlantic Herring
Clupea harengus
Clupea harengus is typically larger, has a more robust body, and lacks the distinct opercular striae and flank spots. Its scales are generally more firmly attached.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Clupeiformes
- Famiglia
- Clupeidae
- Genere
- Sardina
- Specie
- Sardina pilchardus
Esplora European Pilchard
Identifica pesci ovunque
Gratis su iOS, Android e Web. Identificazione tramite foto, dettagli completi sulle specie e molto altro.