Sardinella aurita

BéarlaUsually sub-cylindrical, but sometimes a little compressed; belly rather rounded but scutes apparent. Lower gill rakers fine and numerous, more than 80 (162 to 248 in West African specimens of 23 to 28 cm SL); anterior gill rakers on lower limbs of second and third gill arches lying more or less flat (strongly curled in S. brasiliensis). The pelvic fin ray count of 8 distinguishes it from all other species of Sardinella, Harengula, Opisthonema, Herklotsichthys and Amblygaster that occur with it. Resembles Clupea but has two fleshy outgrowths along outer margin of gill opening and numerous fine fronto-parietal striae on top of head. Flanks silvery with a faint golden mid-lateral line; a faint golden spot behind gill opening; black spot at hind border of gill cover (Ref. 188). Back bluish gray, sometimes greenish. Sides silvery to brassy, without spots or streaks. Body very slender. Scales deciduous (Ref. 7251).

• Alosa senegalensis Bennett, 1831
• Clupea venulosa Steinitz, 1927
• Meletta mediterranea Valenciennes, 1847
• Clupea caeruleovittata Richardson, 1846
• Sardinella pinnula Bean, 1912
• Sardinella aurita mediterranea (Valenciennes, 1847)
• Sardinella euxina Antipa, 1906
• Sardinella anchovia Valenciennes, 1847
• Clupea allecia Rafinesque, 1810
• Sardinia pseudohispanica Poey, 1860
• Clupanodon pseudohispanica (Poey, 1860)
• Clupea aurovittata Swainson, 1838
• Sardinella aurita terrasae Lozano-Rey, 1950