South American pilchard

Sardinops sagax is a genuine sardine of the Pacific and southern oceans used by some US and Pacific canning brands, distinct from the European pilchard.

About the fish

• Ranges through the eastern Pacific from California to Chile and Peru, with related populations off southern Africa, Australia and Japan.
• A pelagic schooling fish, commonly around 20 cm and reaching roughly 30-40 cm in length.
• A true sardine of the genus Sardinops, but in the EU it must carry a qualifying name rather than the unqualified term 'sardines'.
• Supports very large fisheries whose abundance swings with decadal ocean cycles off Peru, Chile and California.

Brands using South American pilchard in this directory

Possibly this species — not confirmed

These brands may use South American pilchard but their species varies by catch/supplier or is unverified, so they aren't counted above.