Como identificar European Pilchard

Para identificar European Pilchard (Sardina pilchardus), observe estas características principais.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

elongated

Coloração

Dorsal side is bluish-green, fading to silvery flanks and a white belly. Often has a series of faint dark spots along the upper flanks, though these can be indistinct.

Tipo de escama

cycloid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Relatively large scales that are easily shed., A single, short dorsal fin located midway along the back., Absence of scales on the head., Operculum (gill cover) with radiating striae (grooves).

Nadadeira dorsal

Single, short, located approximately at the midpoint of the body, with 13-21 soft rays.

Nadadeira caudal

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Nadadeira peitoral

Small, located low on the body, with 15-18 soft rays.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are small and located beneath the dorsal fin. Anal fin is short, located far back on the body, with 12-23 soft rays.

Dicas de identificação

1. 1

   Size

   Adults typically reach 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in length, with a maximum recorded length of about 27 cm (11 inches).

2. 2

   Scales

   Relatively large and easily detached scales, a key characteristic distinguishing them from some other clupeids.

3. 3

   Gill Cover (Operculum)

   Presence of distinct radiating striae (grooves) on the operculum, which is a reliable identification feature.

4. 4

   Spots

   Often has 1-8 faint dark spots along the upper flanks, though these can be absent or very indistinct in some individuals.

5. 5

   Keel

   A series of sharp, keeled scales (scutes) along the belly, though less pronounced than in some other herring-like fishes.

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