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Round sardinella

Sardinella aurita

Round sardinella© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) is a small, silvery pelagic fish found in coastal marine and brackish waters. It is popular among anglers for its abundance and mild, flaky flesh, making it a good table fish.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Dorosomatidae

Max Size

41 cm

Habitat

marine, brackish

Depth Range

0-350m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Late spring to early autumn (May-September) when water temperatures rise

Best Time

Dawn and dusk

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Round sardinella

  • Use light spinning gear with a 2-6 lb test line to detect subtle bites.
  • Trawl or cast small silver spoons, tiny jigs, or surface poppers near the shoreline and estuary mouths.
  • Live or frozen shrimp, small anchovies, or chopped sardines work well as bait.
  • Fish during low light periods; the fish form surface schools that feed actively at sunrise and sunset.

Top Fishing Locations for Round sardinella

beginner75% Very Common

Rich pelagic waters around Christmas Island host abundant schools of Round sardinella, especially during the southeast monsoon.

Best: December-February

South Ari Atoll

Maldives
intermediate65% Common

Clear lagoon and strong currents attract large sardinella shoals, a favorite stop for livebait anglers.

Best: May-October

Koh Samui Coast

Thailand
beginner45% Occasional

The western coastline of Koh Samui offers night-time surface feeding of sardinella, drawn by plankton blooms.

Best: June-September

Banjul River Mouth

The Gambia
intermediate55% Common

Estuarine outflow meets Atlantic currents creating a seasonal sardinella hotspot for drift fishing.

Best: July-October

West Coast, Holetown

Barbados
beginner40% Occasional

Surf zones and reef edges concentrate sardinella schools, often targeted from shore or light tackle boats.

Best: April-June

expert30% Occasional

Remote offshore reefs in Milne Bay host seasonal sardinella runs, accessed via livebait charters.

Best: August-December

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Round sardinella

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5-6 ft, fast action
Line2-6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall silver spoons, micro jigs, or surface poppers (1-2 in)
TechniqueLight trolling or casting nearshore surface feeding

Best bait: Live/frozen shrimp, small anchovies, chopped sardines