Sardines are a type of fish that is often consumed by large groups of people. They are often served in cans. Sardines or pilchards come in different types. The name sardines stems from the 15th century when this fish was regularly caught near Sardinia. The sardines are fished commercially and are used for different purposes. For example, it is used as bait, but also for consumption. The fish is either dried, salted, or smoked. The sardines' oily liquid is often used in the manufacture of paint, varnish, and linoleum.