Sand smelt
D-Ährenfisch; GB-Sand smelt; DK-Stribefisk; PL-Ateryna; EST-Ateriin; RU-Западноевропейская атерина; FIN-Hopeakylki; S-Prästfisk
Characters
1) Big eyes.
2) Wide distance between dorsal fins.
3) Mouth steeply upwards directed.
4) Anal fin opposit of almost equally large second dorsal fin.
●) Silvern stripe on flank.
Usually below 14 cm, max. 20 cm length.
Similar species
Bleak - only one dorsal fin; pelvic fins in abdominal position.
Smelt - with adipose fin; pelvic fin in abdominal position.
Biology
Swarmfish living near the coast; also present in estuaries and brackish waters. Eggs are layed from April to June and are adhered with sticky filaments on stones.Diet
They feed on zooplankton, like small crustaceans and fish larvae.Importance
Used for fishmeal and as bait.Atherina presbyter
