Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue sardine (Spratelloides robustus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The blue sardine is a small herring relative from the southwest Pacific, off southern Australia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a blue-green back and a shiny lateral stripe. It schools in large, dense numbers in shallow coastal water and filters small zooplankton from the water. It is an important forage and bait fish for larger predators and the fishery. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue sardine?
The Blue sardine has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Silvery body with a blue-green back; densely schooling coastal sardine
Where does the Blue sardine live?
The Blue sardine lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Southwest Pacific
How big does the Blue sardine get?
The Blue sardine grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Blue sardine dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue sardine is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Blue sardine edible?
Yes, the Blue sardine is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Blue sardine?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue sardine is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Spratelloides
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue sardine?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue sardine is one of 12,519 species in the app.