European sardine

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

Marine region

In Lisbon, Portugal, not every sardine swims in the sea! Some appear on posters, decorate trams or wear extraordinary colours. Artists even turn them into imaginary characters. But beneath all those paintings and designs, what does a real sardine 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 has a long body, silver sides and a greenish-blue back. A fin rises midway along the back. Its tail is forked.

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WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
WHAT DOES IT EAT?

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