Sprattus

Sprattus

Sprattus is a genus of small oily fish, commonly known as sprats. They are part of the family Clupeidae, which also includes herring and sardines. Sprattus are found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas.

Species

There are five recognized species of Sprattus:

• Sprattus sprattus (European sprat)
• Sprattus antipodum (New Zealand sprat)
• Sprattus fuegensis (Fuegian sprat)
• Sprattus muelleri (Australian sprat)
• Sprattus novaehollandiae (Australian redbait)

Characteristics

Sprattus are small, silver-colored fish with a streamlined body and a forked tail. They typically measure between 10 and 15 centimeters in length. Sprattus have a single dorsal fin, no lateral line, and a weakly developed adipose eyelid.

Diet

Sprattus primarily feed on plankton, small crustaceans, and other tiny marine organisms. They are filter feeders, using their gill rakers to strain their food from the water.

Commercial Importance

Sprattus are commercially important due to their high oil content. They are often canned or smoked and are a popular food source in many parts of the world. The European sprat, Sprattus sprattus, is particularly well-known and is often used in the production of fish oil and fish meal.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Sprattus varies by species. Some, like the European sprat, are considered to be of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Others, like the Fuegian sprat, have not been assessed.

See Also

• Clupeidae
• Fish oil
• Fish meal
• International Union for Conservation of Nature

External Links

• International Union for Conservation of Nature
• FishBase