Sardines and anchovies are the preferable fish to extract fish oil as both are very oily fish and loaded with beneficial fatty acids (EPA/DHA). Fish oil derived from sardines and anchovies are the top 2 raw materials used in pharmaceutical grade Omega-3 Fish Oil softgels that millions of people take every day. Since sardines and anchovies are short lived and at the bottom of the aquatic food chain that feed solely on plankton, and therefore do not concentrate heavy metals, such as mercury, and contaminants as do some other larger fish, sardines and anchovies are healthier.