Sand smelt
📖 Overview
Small pelagic fishes in coastal areas and estuaries. Schooling, seasonal migrations in the Atlantic. Feeds on carnivorous small crustaceans and fish larvae . Reproduces in spring and summer .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 14; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 14 - 17. Scales in longitudinal series 52-57. Vertebrae 46-52 (Morocco), 49-52 (the Netherlands). No pyloric appendages. A large, characteristic, brilliant silvery stripe running along flanks from head to tail, often outlined in black. No true lateral line . Eye diameter same with snout length .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sand smelt is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Spawning occurs in midsummer in English Channel and North Sea.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; pelagic-neritic; oceanodromous ; depth range 1 - 10 m . Subtropical; 60°N - 14°N, 26°W - 17°E
🌿 Ecology
carnivorous small crustaceans and fish larvae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepsetia presbyter | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 25 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Sand smelt ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.