Fin's Fish Guide
The Scaled sardine (Harengula jaguana) is a saltwater fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, in shallow coastal water, bays and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The scaled sardine is a small, strongly silvery herring-like fish of the family Dorosomatidae reaching about 21 cm. The laterally compressed body has a blue-green back, a sawtoothed belly edge and often a faint dark spot behind the gill. The species forms large schools in shallow coastal water, bays and estuaries along the western Atlantic coast and tolerates brackish water. With fine gill rakers it filters zooplankton and fish larvae from the water. Through its enormous numbers it is an indispensable prey fish for larger predators, seabirds and marine mammals; for anglers it is a much-used, hardy bait fish hooked live.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Scaled sardine?
The Scaled sardine has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, strongly silver-shining herring-like fish with a serrated ventral edge and often a faint dark shoulder blotch.
Where does the Scaled sardine live?
The Scaled sardine lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, in shallow coastal water, bays and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Scaled sardine get?
The Scaled sardine grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Scaled sardine dangerous to humans?
No, the Scaled sardine is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Scaled sardine edible?
The Scaled sardine is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Harengula
More from the family Clupeidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Scaled sardine is one of 12,519 species in the app.