Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue sardine (Amblygaster leiogaster) is a saltwater fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
The smoothbelly sardinella is a herring-like fish (Clupeidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 23 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with a blue-green back. Unlike many related sardines it has a smooth belly without sharp keel scutes, to which the name refers. It is a pronounced schooling fish that lives in coastal waters and filters zooplankton from the water. The species is regularly caught in coastal fisheries and eaten both fresh and processed; it is also used as bait.
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. Smooth belly without sharp keeled scales; schooling coastal sardine.
Where does the Blue sardine live?
The Blue sardine lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific, in coastal waters.
How big does the Blue sardine get?
The Blue sardine grows to a maximum of about 23 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Blue sardine dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue sardine is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blue sardine edible?
Yes, the Blue sardine is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Amblygaster
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.