Pilchard, also known as European pilchard, is a small, ray-finned fish of the herring family, Clupeidae, in the genus Sardina. They are an important prey species for many larger predatory fish and marine mammals and are commercially harvested for human consumption. If you choose, you can call the young sardines.
Despite pilchard’s size, they play a significant role in the marine ecosystem, so their populations can serve as an indicator of the health of a coastal ecosystem. This article will explore the appearance, habitat, diet, reproduction, threats, and exciting facts about pilchards. We will also answer frequently asked questions about these small but significant fish.
Appearance
This schooling fish is also small to medium-sized and has a streamlined, elongated body with a forked tail with a somewhat compressed shape that makes them well-suited for moving quickly through the water. They are characterized by their metallic silver color, with dark blue or green shading on their backs and a silver-white belly. Moreover, they have pelvic fins that originate behind this herring-like fish’s dorsal fin.
You can also identify these species by looking at their scales and eyes. They come with small, almost translucent scales, giving them a shiny, silvery appearance in the water. At the same time, the fish have a short head with a relatively large, round eye adapted to providing excellent vision.
Pilchards also have a row of sharp, pointed teeth that they use to capture and eat their prey.
Habitat
Do you want to know where to find pilchards? If so, consider visiting the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, or the Black Sea. They prefer to inhabit warm waters with temperatures between 10-24°C and are commonly found in depths ranging from 25 and 55 meters (80 to 180 feet) during the day.
These fish are typically found at depths ranging from 10 to 35 meters (33 to 155 feet) at night. Since pilchards are migratory schooling fish, they sometimes travel as far as 100 km out to sea in large groups.
Diet
Pilchards have a well-developed digestive system with strong teeth adapted for feeding on zooplankton and phytoplankton. Nonetheless, their diet varies depending on their life stage, with younger pilchards or sardines feeding mainly on plankton. Adults prey on larger organisms, such as small fish and crustaceans.
If you want to know how pilchards play a vital role in the marine ecosystem, note that they are also a food source for many larger marine predators such as dolphins, sharks, and seabirds.
Reproduction
Pilchards are a highly reproductive species. Females can produce up to 200,000 eggs per year during each spawning season.
They typically spawn between April and June. During this period, males and females release their eggs and sperm into the water. After hatching, the young pilchards are carried by ocean currents and eventually settle in shallow coastal waters.
After a few weeks, the larvae metamorphose into juvenile fish, which begin schooling and feed on tiny planktonic organisms.
Overall, pilchards have a high reproductive capacity, a major factor that helps maintain their population size and resilience. In short, the fish is adapted to lead a productive life in the face of environmental stressors such as fluctuations in food availability and climate change.
Threats
The schooling behavior of pilchards is an essential adaptation for their survival in the open ocean, where they are a primary food source for larger predatory fish, marine mammals, and seabirds. It allows them to swim more efficiently and avoid predators. Sometimes, you can spot schools of pilchards that number in the millions swarming and moving in unison in the water.
However, the population of these species is still at risk. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the species as Near Threatened.
We said in the beginning that pilchard is an important commercial species. That’s right. It is harvested in large quantities for use as food, bait, and animal feed. So, overfishing has led to declines in pilchard populations worldwide.
Pilchards are also vulnerable to pollution and habitat loss, impacting their ability to reproduce and survive.
Facts About Pilchards
- The pilchard is a small, silvery fish from the herring family.
- They are found in warm Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Black Sea waters.
- Pilchards are primarily planktivores but also consume small fish and crustaceans.
- They are a highly reproductive species, with females capable of producing up to 200,000 eggs per year.
- Pilchards are commercially important and are used for food, bait, and animal feed.
- Overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss threaten pilchard populations.
FAQs
Is a pilchard the same as a sardine?
Many people use the terms “pilchard” and “sardine” interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two. In some cases, the terms may refer to the size of the fish. The larger fish are pilchards, and the smaller fish are called sardines.
In some parts of the world, the terms “pilchard” and “sardine” may describe the same fish species. However, in other regions, such as the United States, “sardine” refers to the European pilchard.
Are pilchards safe to eat?
Pilchards are safe to eat. They are a nutritious source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. Moreover, they are poison-free and suitable for people of all ages. However, like all fish, they may contain trace amounts of mercury or other pollutants. So, you can do well if you limit the consumption to two servings per week.
Where are pilchards commonly found?
Pilchards are a coastal fish species found in warm waters in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Black Seas. They are commonly found in shallow waters close to the shore. These fish are seen at night in depths ranging from 10 to 35 meters feet but often migrate to slightly deeper places during the day.
What do pilchards eat?
Pilchards typically eat a variety of plant and animal matter. In the wild, they mainly feed on tiny planktonic organisms such as crustaceans, mollusks, and other small fish. They are also known to feed on algae and other plant materials.
However, pilchards can be fed on fish meal, algae, and other specially formulated feed that provide the required nutrients at home.
What’s the lifespan of pilchards?
Pilchards typically have a lifespan of around 2-4 years due to the threats they face. This can vary depending on environmental conditions, food availability, and predation. Note that juveniles become sexually mature at about a year old and are fully grown when aged about eight years. So, due to the threats, most pilchards don’t reach full maturity.
