Fin's Fish Guide
The Northern pilchard (Amblygaster sirm) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
The spotted sardinella is a small herring relative (Clupeidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a slender, round-bodied, silvery body with a row of golden spots along the flank. It is a pelagic, schooling species of coastal waters and lagoons, at a few metres to a few tens of metres depth. It feeds on zooplankton it filters from the water. It is a commercial fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Northern pilchard?
The Northern pilchard has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Row of small golden blotches along the flank; schooling pelagic coastal sardine.
Where does the Northern pilchard live?
The Northern pilchard lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coastal waters and lagoons.
How big does the Northern pilchard get?
The Northern pilchard grows to a maximum of about 27 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Northern pilchard dangerous to humans?
No, the Northern pilchard is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Northern pilchard edible?
Yes, the Northern pilchard 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 Northern pilchard?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Northern pilchard is one of 12,519 species in the app.