COMMON MARINE FISHES 



29 



PACIFIC SARDINE 

 Sardinops caerulea 



Relationship: A true sardine, is belongs to the herring family, Clupeidae, 

 which also includes the Pacific herring and the shad. Several close relatives are native 

 to other parts of the world. 



Distinguishing Characters: The single, short dorsal fin near the middle of the 

 back; the absence of scales on the head; the absence of a lateral line; the mouth 

 opening at the tip of the head, neither jaw projecting ; the gill cover having low 

 raised ridges running obliquely downward ; the breast and belly not being drawn to a 

 sharp, saw-toothed edge, although the scales have spines which can be felt when the 

 finger is moved toward the head. Length to about 14 inches. Color: Dark green to 

 blue above with many small dark spots, shading into bright silvery on the sides and 

 below. Opalescent reflections above, the silvery pai-t iridescent ; a series of round 

 black spots of varying degrees of distinctness often extends backward under the scales. 



Distribution: Alaska south into the Gulf of California. Occurs in schools, some- 

 times mixed with Pacific and jack mackerel. 



Fishing Season: Subject to state regulations, throughout the year. Most of the 

 catch is landed during the fall and winter when there are no restrictions on canning 

 or on reduction of specified amounts of whole fish. 



Importance: By far the State's leading commercial species in terms of poundage 

 for many years, and, until 1946, the leader in value as well. In 1946, second in value 

 with most of the catch delivered at Los Angeles. Previously, Monterey and San Fran- 

 cisco were of eq^ual or greater importance. Used primarily for canning, and for produc- 

 tion of fish meal and oil. Up to 5 percent of the catch is used for dead or live bait 

 (this mostly young fish), particularly by the tuna, mackerel and sport fisheries. 



Fishing Gear: Round 

 taken in gill nets. 



haul nets, chiefly purse seines. Small quantities are 



Unauthorized Names: Pilchard, California sardine. 



