Brazilian Sardinella

Diagnostic features as for Sardinella aurita from which it differs in having the anterior gill rakers on the lower limbs of the second and third gill arches distinctly curled downward (more or less flat in S. aurita) (Ref. 188). The pelvic fin ray count of i 8 distinguishes S. brasiliensis from all other species of Sardinella, also Harengula and Opisthonema (Ref. 188). Similar to S. aurita (Ref. 26938). Bluish black above. Peritoneum black (Ref. 37032). Separation of Sardinella brasiliensis (synonym of Sardinella janeiro) from Sardinella aurita on the basis of gill raker shape and a higher gill raker count is tentative.

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 21; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 12 - 23

Found in coastal waters, often forming compact schools. Probably similar to S. aurita, but if they are indeed distinct, then this species may account for the double spawning peaks of S. aurita.

Found in coastal waters, often forming compact schools. Maximum depth range based on spawners in Brazil (Ref. 114041). Probably similar to S. aurita, but if they are indeed distinct, then this species may account for the double spawning peaks of S. aurita. Constitutes a large fishery in Venezuela, but statistical reports are not separated from S. aurita. Marketed fresh and canned (Ref. 5217).

fisheries: highly commercial; bait: usually; price category: medium; price reliability: questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this genus