Brisling Sardines (Sprattus Sprattus) also known as the European Sprat, Sprats, or Baltic Herring are a small fish closely relate to the herring. Being much smaller, they are rather different from your classic sardine despite being sold under the name.  They originate from the north Atlantic and the Baltic and are popular in the surrounding countries.

European Pilchard (Sardina Pilchardus) is the classic sardine found in the north atlantic, the mediterranian, and the black sea. It is the primary sardine processed out of Iberia, and Morocco. It can be found labelled as “Pilchard” or “Sardines” on your tin. It is often considered the most prized sardine species and is typically the most expensive tin.

Goldstripe Sardinella (Sardinella Gibbosa) is part of the genus Sardinella which contains 27 species, several of which are fished commercially in South and Southeast Asia. If your tin originates from these countries, there is a good chance it is Gibbosa, Sardinella Longiceps, Sardinella Lemuru, or Sardinella Fimbriata”

Pacific Sardine (Sardinops Sagax) also known as Australian Pilchards, Chilean Sardine, and South American Pilchard, its range spans from the indo-pacific, to Australia, to the coastlines of Alaska down to south america. This fish is most commonly canned by pacific fisheries along the north, central, and south american coast, plus Japan.

There are several other species of fish canned as sardines though the ones above cover the most popular.