Sardine

A sardine is a small, oily forage fish that is a common food source for larger marine animals and humans. The term "sardine" is not a single species but refers to a group of several species of small oily fish within the herring family.

Sardines are slender, silvery fish with a streamlined body and a single dorsal fin. They are known for their shiny, reflective scales, which can vary in color from greenish-blue on the back to a silvery-white on the belly. They are relatively small, typically measuring between 6 to 9 inches in length.

Sardines are found in large schools in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. As forage fish, they play a crucial role in marine food webs, serving as a primary food source for a variety of predators, including tuna, sharks, dolphins, and seabirds. Their diet consists mainly of plankton, which they filter from the water as they swim.

Sardines are one of the most important commercially fished species. They are a staple food in many parts of the world and are often sold canned, but also consumed fresh, frozen, or smoked. They are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. The term "sardine" is believed to have originated from the island of Sardinia, where they were once abundant.