Sardines are usually canned in oil.
Sardines, or pilchards, are an ocean fish known for traveling in large groups or schools. Sardines are related to herring, and sometimes canned fish labeled sardine is actually herring. Sardines are widely fished in the Pacific and Atlantic, and are popular both pickled and fresh in a wide variety of cuisines. Although sardines are not considered an endangered fish species, careful monitoring of the sardine fishery is recommended to avoid overfishing and possible collapse.
Sardines are often found near the surface of the ocean.
The sardine is a small silvery fish with a protruding snout and a large mouth. Sardine species can be found in northern and southern waters, preferring estuaries or intertidal zones. Sardines eat plankton and small fish larvae and form an important part of the marine food chain because they are in turn eaten by larger species. In addition to being eaten by other fish, sardines make up a substantial part of the diet of many waterfowl, such as pelicans.
Sardines, a type of small fish in the herring family, are rich in calcium and other minerals, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Sardines have a dark, oily meat that is popular with some consumers and hated by others. Fish is rich in omega-3 acids and is generally considered very healthy for those who prefer the taste. Opinion on sardines tends to be polarized, with many southern Europeans very fond of the fish, while others are vehemently opposed. In addition to supplementing the human diet, sardines are a common bait for larger species that are fished commercially. As a result, the collapse of the sardine fishery could be catastrophic.
Waterfowl such as pelicans are common predators of sardines.
When preserved, sardines are usually split and canned in oil after salting. Sardines are suspended in oil or brine to prevent their oils from going rancid and are therefore rarely found dried. Sardines can also be eaten fresh and grilled sardines are a popular Mediterranean dish. Sardines often appear in fish-flavored dishes such as Worcestershire sauce, Caesar salads, some Asian foods, and some other commercial sauces.
Sardines are a popular fish for the fishing industry.
Like other schooling fish, sardines are migratory and can be commonly found in one area one year and gone the next. Commercial fishing companies have adapted to this with the use of sonar and other location techniques, while smaller fishing communities resort to hunting for fish in the types of areas that sardines typically favor. Sardines are often found near the ocean surface and are sometimes visible as a silvery mass or large disturbance in the water if predators are attacking.