Sardinhas

Length Category:  Small (<40 cm)

Trophic Level:  Omnivores

Migratory Pattern:  Medium Distance (100-1,000 km)

Spawning Period:  Rising

Export Market:  Regional (in Amazon)

Market Status:  Second class

Catch Distribution:

Sardinha potential yield was estimated to be approximately 3,500 tons. The Central Amazon (63%) accounts for most of the yield, followed by the Peruvian Amazon (24%).

Natural History Notes:

Three species are included in the sardinha commercial food fish group: Triportheus elongates, T. angulatus, and T. albus. T. elongatus and T. angulatus are omnivorous and feed heavily on fleshy fruits and arthropods. Triportheus albus also feeds on fruits and arthropods, but additionally, it is a zooplankton-feeder. Sardinha species are found in whitewater, blackwater and clearwater rivers. They are migratory and spawn in whitewater rivers.