Latin name

Sardinella gibbosa

Other name

Goldstripe sardine

Identification

The body of the Goldstripe Sardinella is elongated, the body height is usually 24-30% of the standard length. The total number of keel scales is 32-34. There are 45-59 gill stamens on the lower part of the first gill arch, the number of which does not increase as the fish grows (after reaching 6 cm in length). The transverse stripes on the scales do not cross in the centre of the scales. There are numerous openings on the posterior part of the scales.

Features of fish fins

This species has 13-21 soft rays in the dorsal fin and 12-23 soft rays in the anal fin.

Fish colouring

The back of the Goldstripe Sardinella is dark, the sides and belly are silver. There is a golden band along the sides of the body. There is a dark spot at the beginning of the base of the dorsal fin. The edges of the dorsal and caudal fins are dark.

Distribution

Goldstripe Sardinella is common in the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans.

Habitat

Marine species. Lives between coral reefs at depths of 10-70m.

Size

It is a small fish with a maximum length of 17 cm, usually no more than 15 cm. It has a maximum life expectancy of up to 7 years.

Behavior

Goldstripe Sardinella form large schools.

Food and feeding habits

These fish feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton (crustaceans and molluscan larvae). Crustaceans dominate the diet of juveniles, but as they grow, phytoplankton becomes more important.

Reproduction

The spawning season for these fish is from April to October. Spawning peaks in June and July, followed by older and larger individuals. Their eggs are unique in that they do not have a wide perivitelline space.

Fishing

A valuable commercial fish. Indonesia catches most. It is commercially important in parts of India and throughout South East Asia.

Relationship with a person

Dried Goldstripe Sardinella is particularly popular in Korean markets. It is sold in Korea, England, Sweden and Canada.