Sprattus sprattus

Sprattus sprattus, commonly known as the European sprat, is a small, herring-like, marine fish. It belongs to the family Clupeidae, which includes other well-known fish such as the herring and the sardine.

Description

The European sprat is a small fish, typically around 12-16 cm in length. It has a slender body, a pointed snout, and a forked tail. The body is covered in large, easily shed scales. The color of the sprat varies from greenish to bluish on the back, with silvery sides and a white belly.

Distribution and Habitat

The European sprat is found in the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Black Sea. It prefers temperate waters and is commonly found in coastal areas, although it can also be found in open sea. The sprat is a pelagic fish, meaning it lives in the water column as opposed to near the bottom.

Diet

The diet of the European sprat consists mainly of plankton, small crustaceans, and other tiny sea creatures. They feed by filtering these organisms out of the water with their gill rakers.

Commercial Importance

The European sprat is of significant commercial importance. It is caught in large numbers and used for a variety of purposes. Some are sold fresh or frozen for human consumption, often smoked or canned. Others are used to make fish meal or fish oil, or are used as bait for larger fish.

Reproduction

European sprats are broadcast spawners, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water where fertilization occurs. The eggs are buoyant and float in the water column. After hatching, the larvae remain in the plankton until they are large enough to join the adult population.

Conservation Status

The European sprat is not currently considered threatened or endangered. However, like all marine species, it is potentially vulnerable to overfishing and habitat degradation.

See Also

• Sprattus
• Clupeidae
• Fisheries