Fin's Fish Guide
The Madeiran sardinella (Sardinella maderensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Gibraltar to Angola; eastern Mediterranean Sea and the area around the Suez Canal.
Description
The Madeiran sardinella is a sardine-like schooling fish of the family Clupeidae reaching about 30 cm. The slender, silvery body has a grey caudal fin with almost-black tips and black membranes between the upper pectoral rays. The species lives pelagically in coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic and eastern Mediterranean and tolerates low salinities, so it also enters estuaries and lagoons. It forms schools and makes clear north-south seasonal migrations. Its food consists of small plankton, fish larvae and phytoplankton. The Madeiran sardinella is an important food fish, but fishing pressure has left the species assessed as Vulnerable.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Madeiran sardinella?
The Madeiran sardinella has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sardine-like fish with a grey caudal fin with almost black tips and black membranes between the upper pectoral fin rays.
Where does the Madeiran sardinella live?
The Madeiran sardinella lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic from Gibraltar to Angola; eastern Mediterranean Sea and the area around the Suez Canal.
How big does the Madeiran sardinella get?
The Madeiran sardinella grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Madeiran sardinella dangerous to humans?
No, the Madeiran sardinella is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Madeiran sardinella edible?
Yes, the Madeiran sardinella is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Madeiran sardinella and live in the same waters.
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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 Madeiran sardinella?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Madeiran sardinella is one of 12,519 species in the app.