Lesser sand-eel

D-Kleiner Sandaal; GB-Lesser sand-eel; DK-Havtobis; PL-Dobijak niebieski; EST-Meritobias; RU-Evropeyskaya peschanka; FIN-Merituulenkala; S-Havstobis

Characters

1) Elongated head with pointed mouth and protruding lower jaw.
2) Tip of pectoral fin extending slightly over origin of dorsal fin.
●) No pelvic fins.
●) Body colouration silvern; back blueish-greenish.
Usually about 15 cm, max. up to 20 cm length.

Similar species

Small sand-eel - regular alignment of abdominal scales (vs. irregular alignment in small sand-eel).

Greater sand-eel - black spot above middle of upper jaw; tip of pectoral fin only reaching till dorsal fin.

Biology

Active during night in small shoals, during daytime often buried in the sand. Prefers coastal waters with sandy grounds, but also advances in estuaries. In autumn or spring 3.800 to 22.000 eggs are layed in small clutches onto the sandy ground.

Diet

Feeds on large diatoms and zooplancton.

Importance

Is processed to large amounts of fish meal. Of great importance as nutrient for bigger fish and sea birds.