Sardines (Small) are very hard to supply to towns that are far from the main coasts which is one of the big reasons why you don’t seem them in the local market very often. Unless of course you drench them in Ammonia to make them firm and fully preserved which we don’t do! Small Sardines (especially the ones we sourced in the last couple of days) were full of nutritious fish oil and also very small in size. Good news is that the taste is just out of the world if you are a Sardine lover! Bad news is its very hard to get the fish to stay in one piece as we transport them from Coasts to your City. Even though we take great care to pack them extremely well, a small weight on the fish will push its belly out. Consistent with our strict quality policy, we are very happy to refund the costs if you had this issue. Please let us know through customercare@freshtohome.com