الفهرس 
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Abstract
- Introduction and Aim of Work
Sardines Family Clupeidae) are considered to
be the most important fishes of the World.
Fisheries of various countries, as well as canning industries depend, to a great extent, on these fishes. Sardines have a Wide geographical distribution allover the world. They are apparently present throughout the Mediterranean common in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic and Western Pacific. They are pelagic fishes: usually forming shoals at shallow depths (15 to 35 m. at night and 25 to 55 m. by day) in coastal waters over the continental shelf ( Fischer, 1973). They feed on planktonic organisms, mainly diatoms, copopods and larval stages of crustaceans ( Faltas, 1983).
In Egypt, it is well known that the most important sea fisheries were, no doubt, attributed to the sardine fishery. In recent years (1980-1984), they constitute about 26.2% of the total landing of sea fishes according to the statistical reports prepared by Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Alexandria Branch. They are mainly caught by purse- seins (fishing by light attraction) also, with gill.