Fin's Fish Guide
The Indian oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps) is a saltwater fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
The Indian oil sardine is a small herring relative from the northern Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea and Oman to India, Indonesia and the Philippines. The species grows to about 23 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a golden spot behind the gill cover and a golden lateral stripe. It forms enormous schools in upwelling-rich coastal water and filters phytoplankton and zooplankton. It is one of the most important commercial food fishes of the region. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Indian oil sardine?
The Indian oil sardine has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Golden gill blotch; forms enormous plankton-feeding shoals; important food fish
Where does the Indian oil sardine live?
The Indian oil sardine lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Northern Indian Ocean
How big does the Indian oil sardine get?
The Indian oil sardine grows to a maximum of about 23 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Indian oil sardine dangerous to humans?
No, the Indian oil 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 Indian oil sardine edible?
Yes, the Indian oil sardine is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sardinella
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Indian oil sardine?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Indian oil sardine is one of 12,519 species in the app.