Here’s a cartoon from today’s Seattle Times.
And what do sardines eat, actually?
Sardines are primarily planktivores, meaning they feed on small organisms in the water column.
Their diet includes—
Phytoplankton:
Microscopic plant-like organisms, such as diatoms and dinoflagellates;
Zooplankton:
Small animal-like organisms, such as copepods, crustacean larvae, and small fish eggs;
Dead organic matter: They may also consume debris and waste products found in the water.
Sardines are filter feeders, using their gills to strain food from the water.