Pilchards sardines

Introduction: Pilchards (Sardinops ocellatus) are also known worldwide as sardines. They are a spindle-shaped fish with a short, deep toothless lower jaw in the mouth. They form huge shoals offshore and are often confused with the red-eye sardine. Sardinops means 'sardine-like' and ocellatus means 'spotted'. Pilchards are an important fodder food for larger gamefish, birds, dolphins, seals and humans.

Distribution: Throughout Namibian waters such as Luderitz, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Torra Bay and Terrace Bay.

Diet: Krill, larval crabs and other small crustaceans.

Colouration: Overall body colour silver with a bluish dorsal surface. The belly is white.

Breeding: Traditional breeding grounds are located off the Namibian coastline with sexual maturity reached when the fish exceed 20cm.

Max size: 30cm