Anchovy sprat
📖 Overview
Occurs mainly in the open sea, occasionally approaching the shore and sometimes forming large schools. Rises to the surface in the spring months, but descending to as much as 78 m in late summer (apparently rising again in October-November, but descending once more in winter). Breeds intermittently from end of April to November, mainly in July, in the open sea.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 21; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 23. Body slender; head short and wide; belly rounded, with 23 to 31 scutes. Pectoral fin tips rounded. Last 2 anal fin rays enlarged; Pterotic bulla absent. No notch at the center of the upper jaw. Females slightly larger than males.: elongated; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Anchovy sprat is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Brackish; pelagic; depth range 0 - 78 m . Temperate; 44°N - 35°N, 46°E - 54°E central and southern parts of the Caspian Sea.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Anchovy sprat is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 771 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Anchovy sprat has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clupea engrauliformis | Borodin | 1904 | Synonym |
| Sardinella engrauliformis | Lioy | 1866 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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