Big-scale sand smelt

Big-scale Sand Smelt

The Big-scale Sand Smelt, also known as Atherina boyeri, is a species of fish that belongs to the family Atherinidae. It is commonly found in the coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.

Description

The Big-scale Sand Smelt has a slender and elongated body, reaching an average length of 10 to 15 centimeters. It has a silvery coloration with a dark blue or greenish back. The scales on its body are large, giving it the name "Big-scale" Sand Smelt. It has a single dorsal fin located towards the posterior part of its body.

Habitat and Distribution

This species is primarily found in the coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. It prefers shallow, sandy or muddy habitats, often near estuaries and lagoons. It is also known to inhabit brackish waters and can tolerate a wide range of salinities.

Behavior

The Big-scale Sand Smelt is a schooling fish, often found in large groups near the water surface. It is a fast swimmer and feeds on small invertebrates, such as crustaceans and worms. It is known to be a prey species for larger predatory fish and birds.

Conservation

The Big-scale Sand Smelt is not currently listed as a threatened species. However, habitat degradation and pollution in its coastal habitats pose potential threats to its population. Monitoring and conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of this species.