The European pilchard, also known as Sardina pilchardus, is a small, oily fish that is widely found in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and along the Atlantic coast of Europe. It is an important commercial fish species and is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. There are several synonyms that are used for European pilchard including sardine, brisling, sprat and herring. These terms are often used interchangeably but refer to different species of fish, with varying lengths and nutritional profiles. While the European pilchard is not as well known as other types of fish, it is an important part of marine ecosystems and a valuable food source for humans and other marine animals.