Big-scale sand smelt

Atherina boyeri Sardinia

Big-scale sand smelt (Atherina boyeri) is a species of fish in the family Atherinidae. It is commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov. This species is known for its adaptability to various salinity levels, inhabiting both marine and brackish waters.

Description

The big-scale sand smelt is a small fish, typically reaching a length of 8-10 cm, although some individuals can grow up to 15 cm. It has a slender, elongated body with a silvery appearance. The scales are relatively large, which is a distinguishing feature of this species. The dorsal fin is divided into two parts, with the first part being spiny and the second part soft-rayed.

Habitat

Big-scale sand smelt is found in coastal waters, estuaries, and lagoons. It prefers shallow waters with sandy or muddy bottoms. This species is highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of salinities, from freshwater to hypersaline conditions.

Diet

The diet of the big-scale sand smelt consists mainly of small crustaceans, zooplankton, and insect larvae. It is an opportunistic feeder, adjusting its diet based on the availability of food sources in its habitat.

Reproduction

Big-scale sand smelt spawns in the spring and summer months. The species is known for its high fecundity, with females laying thousands of eggs. The eggs are adhesive and attach to submerged vegetation or other surfaces in the water. The larvae are planktonic and undergo several developmental stages before reaching adulthood.

Economic Importance

This species is of minor commercial importance. It is often caught as bycatch in fishing operations targeting other species. In some regions, it is used as bait in recreational fishing.

Conservation Status

The big-scale sand smelt is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, its populations can be affected by changes in water quality, habitat destruction, and overfishing.

Related Pages

• Atherinidae
• Mediterranean Sea
• Black Sea
• Sea of Azov
• Fish
• Marine biology