A schooling species found in coastal waters, from beaches down to 110 m or more. Has an apparently long spawning season (July to January) around the South Island, but not a fractional spawner. Eggs are present in mid-summer near Clutha River mouth (but samples may have included S. antipodum). More data needed.
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 21; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 23; Vertebrae: 43 - 47. Gill cover without bony radiating striae; tooth plate on tongue narrow, pointed at each end, its width about 4 or 5 times in length, lateral teeth moderate; scales without fine striae on exposed posterior part; back green-gray when fresh. Pterotic bulla absent. Last two anal rays normal.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
Behavioural data for New Zealand sprat is currently being reviewed.
Eggs present in mid-summer near Clutha River mouth (but samples may also have included S. antipodum).
Marine; pelagic-neritic; depth range 28 - 110 m . Subtropical; 33°S - 51°S, 165°E - 180°E Southwest Pacific: New Zealand.
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | New Zealand sprat · Stout sprat |
| 🌍CES | šprot Müllerův |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Newzealandsk brisling |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Шпрот Мюллера |
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clupea muelleri | Klunzinger | 1879 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
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