European sardine

Distribution : Northeastern Atlantic, Mediterranean and Black Sea; shoals documented along the French Mediterranean coast.

Marine region

A sardine covered in flowers, another turned into a cartoon character: in Lisbon, artists can give this little fish almost any appearance. Since 2003, its outline has become one of the graphic symbols of the Portuguese capital's festivities. A design competition even invites people to create new versions. These imaginary sardines look very different from the fish brought ashore by fishermen. What does the real fish actually look like?

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Habitat

Open water

Depth

0-100 m

Group

Role

Predator, Filter feeder

Size

Often around 20 cm; maximum 28 cm in Fishipedia

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The European pilchard’s green to blue back contrasts with its silver flanks. A single fin occupies the middle of the back. Fine streaks mark the plate covering the gills and dark spots may appear on the sides.

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WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?

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Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships

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