Sardinops Ocellatus (Sardine)
Colour, Shape and Size
This spindle-shaped fish is silver overall, with a bluish dorsal surface and a white belly. There is a distinct row of 10-15 dark spots along the flanks, and the fins are yellowish or translucent. Can attain 30cm.
External Anatomy
There is no lateral line. Some 50-60 series of thin scales are arranged along the flanks, but are very easily shed. The primitive spineless fins include a single dorsal of 17-19 rays, an anal of 18-20 rays and a forked caudal. The mouth has a short, but deep toothless lower jaw which
iis typical of the Clupeidae. The first gill arch bears 100-120 exceptionally long and well developed rakers. Transparent adipose tissue partially covers
the eyes.
Natural History
This offshore species forms vast shoals and has for many years formed the backbone of the South African pelagic fishing industry. It is also the species responsible for the famous annual ‘sardine run’ along the East coast when ocean currents and frenzied game fish often drive the shoals, which normally occur several kilometers out to sea, right into the surf zone. The diet consists
of planktonic animals such as krill, larval crabs and other small crustaceans. The pilchard is, in turn, an important fodder fish for numerous larger gamefish, birds, dolphins, seals and man. Though the traditional breeding grounds are located off the Western Cape and Namibian Coasts, recent research has revealed that spawning also occurs off the East Coast during the winter months. Sexual maturity is attained after the third year when fish exceed
20cm in total length. Age and growth rates have been determined form the annual rings marking the otoliths, or ear stones. Closely related species occur in California and Australia.
Capture
Most pilchards are caught by purse-seiners, but in Natal catches are also
made using beach seine nets. Despite its resilience the gregarious nature of this species makes it vulnerable to over exploitation, especially by fishing fleets armed with sophisticated, shoal-detecting equipment. The majority of the annual catch is canned, or converted to fish meal and oil. Sport anglers look forward to the sardine run for the great numbers of gamefish that follow the shoals. The flesh of the Natal Sardine has a firmer texture than that of specimens caught in Cape Waters and is valued as a bait. Fishermen often
use cast nets to catch large numbers which they stockpile in freezers.
Specific Catch Restrictions
Commercial Capture is restricted by permit and quota.
