Mediterranean sand eel
📖 Overview
Mediterranean sand eel (Gymnammodytes cicerelus), first described by Rafinesque, 1810 is a medium-sized fish in the family Ammodytidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 17.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 0 to 120 metres. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Ammodytidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 53 - 59; Anal soft rays: 27 - 32; Vertebrae: 64 - 68. Ventrolateral skin-folds extending well beyond pectoral fins to anus. Lateral line branched. Back golden brown or greenish, belly silvery, head usually dark blue.: eel-like; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mediterranean sand eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 0 - 120 m . Subtropical; 50°N - 10°N, 18°W - 42°E
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Mediterranean sand eel 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 | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 267 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Mediterranean sand eel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? cicerelus | Rafinesque | 1810 | Homotypic |
| Ammodytes argenteus | Risso | 1827 | Synonym |
| Ammodytes cicerellus | Rafinesque | 1810 | Synonym |
| Ammodytes siculus | Swainson | 1839 | Synonym |
| Ammodytes terebrans | Cisternas | 1875 | Synonym |
| Gymnammodites cicerelus | Rafinesque | 1810 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 19 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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