Biology:Scaled sardine

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Short description: Species of fish

Scaled sardine
Harengula jaguana.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Clupeiformes
Family: Dorosomatidae
Genus: Harengula
Species:
H. jaguana
Binomial name
Harengula jaguana
Poey, 1865

The scaled sardine, Harengula jaguana, is a herring-like fish in the family Clupeidae. It is native to coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, from the Gulf of Mexico (where it is known as the pilchard or whitebait) down to Brazil where it is called mata.

It has a solid back with dark streaks and usually a small dark spot at the upper edge of the operculum and sometimes one located at the shoulder. It grows up to 9 inches (23 cm) in length but typically is little more than half that size.

It is a fast-growing species, living only 12 to 18 months.

Scaled sardines are often referred to by anglers as greenbacks, though that name belongs to the Atlantic Threafin herring. They can usually be caught with strings of wire loops known as minnow rings, sabiki rigs or by cast netting.

They are taken by anglers for use as bait or for personal consumption.[2]

Appearance

Also known as pilchard and greenback.

  • Solid-color on back with dark streaks
  • Usually has a single small, dark spot at upper edge of gill cover
  • Sometimes one spot present on shoulder

References

  1. Munroe, T.A.; Aiken, K.A.; Brown, J.; Grijalba Bendeck, L.; Vega-Cendejas, M. (2019). "Harengula jaguana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T190478A86377366. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T190478A86377366.en. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/190478/86377366. Retrieved 29 October 2022. 
  2. Daniello, Capt. Vincent (14 May 2019). "A Guide to Saltwater Live Baits". Sport Fishing Magazine. https://www.sportfishingmag.com/guide-to-saltwater-live-baits/. Retrieved 21 June 2019. 

Wikidata ☰ Q2147802 entry