About Harengula jaguana Poey, 1865
The scaled sardine, scientifically named Harengula jaguana, is a herring-like fish that belongs to the family Clupeidae. It is native to coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Gulf of Mexico — where it is called pilchard or whitebait — south to Brazil, where it is known as mata. Its back is solid with dark streaks; it usually has a small dark spot at the upper edge of the operculum, and sometimes has an additional spot at the shoulder. This species can reach a maximum length of 9 inches (23 cm), but most individuals grow to little more than half that maximum size. It is a fast-growing species with a typical lifespan of only 12 to 18 months. Anglers often call scaled sardines greenbacks, though this common name is also used for the Atlantic threadfin herring, also called the Atlantic thread herring. People usually catch this species using strings of wire loops called minnow rings, sabiki rigs, or by cast netting. Anglers catch scaled sardines to use as bait or for personal eating.
