Japanese Sardine

About this species

A small, dark-spotted sardine that forms immense shimmering schools off Korea, a foundation of the coastal food web. It filter-feeds on plankton and fuels larger predators and seabirds. Mostly netted commercially, it is also caught on tiny sabiki hooks near the surface.

Season

Depth

0 – 50 m

Habitat Spots

Fishing Methods

Bait & Rig

Tiny sabiki hooks or small fly-style rigs with berley; they rarely take larger offerings and are often most efficiently gathered with a cast net.

Edibility & Taste

Rich, flavorful oily flesh ideal for grilling, simmering in soy sauce, or canning; best consumed very fresh due to rapid deterioration.

Similar Species

Japanese sardine has a row of dark spots along the flank and no yellow stripe; Japanese anchovy is much smaller with a projecting snout; chub mackerel has wavy back markings.

Record Weight

0.3 kg