Sardinops sagax caeruleus (Pacific sardine)

Taxon-Order: 

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Distribution: 
Gulf of California north to southeastern Alaska.
Habitat: 
Coastal, pelagic.
Size: 
Egg shell diameter: 1.3-2.1 mm
Diet: 
Zooplankton and phytoplankton.
Predators: 
Other fishes, marine mammals and sea birds.
Useful Facts or Characters: 

Large egg with a thin and fragile chorion and large perivitelline space.

Natural History: 

A coastal species that forms large schools.  Fished commercially; used for bait and human consumption.