About Sardinella maderensis (Lowe, 1838)
Species Nomenclature and Taxonomy
Sardinella maderensis, commonly known as the Madeiran sardinella, is a small ray-finned fish species belonging to the genus Sardinella.
Distribution Range
It is found in the Eastern Atlantic and Southeastern Mediterranean.
Physical Appearance and Distinguishing Features
This is a silvery fish similar in appearance to the round sardinella (Sardinella aurita), but can be distinguished from that species by its gray caudal fins that have black tips.
Diet
Madeiran sardinella feeds on phytoplankton and fish larvae.
Behavioral and Habitat Traits
It is a pelagic, oceanodromous species that forms schools in coastal waters, and these schools are often mixed with those of S. aurita.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the conservation status of this species as vulnerable.
