The European Sprat (Sprattus sprattus) is a small, pelagic fish that is a common sight in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. It plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, serving as a vital food source for larger fish and marine mammals. With its silvery scales and streamlined body, the European Sprat is an efficient swimmer, well-adapted to its life in the open ocean.
Description & Characteristics
The European Sprat is a small fish, typically reaching a maximum size of 16.0 cm. It has a streamlined, fusiform body with a slightly compressed head. Its body is covered in silvery scales that are often iridescent, giving the fish a shimmering appearance. The European Sprat has a single dorsal fin located in the middle of its back, and a forked tail fin. It has a small, terminal mouth with small, pointed teeth.
Habitat and Occurrence
The European Sprat is a pelagic fish, which means it lives in the open ocean, primarily in the water column. They are commonly found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, from the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea in the north, to the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea in the south. The European Sprat typically inhabits the coastal waters, often forming large schools in the upper layers of the water column. They are particularly abundant in areas with high productivity, where there is an abundance of food sources. The European Sprat’s depth range is from 10.0 to 150.0 meters. It is most commonly found in the epipelagic zone, which extends from the surface to approximately 200 meters deep.
Taxonomy
The species Sprattus sprattus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Clupeiformes, and Family: Clupeidae. This family includes other well-known fish species like herring and sardines. The Clupeidae family is characterized by its members having streamlined bodies, silvery scales, and small mouths. They are typically found in marine environments, often forming large schools.
Feeding
The European Sprat is a planktivore, feeding primarily on zooplankton. Its diet consists of a variety of small invertebrates, including copepods, crustaceans, Cyclops, Daphnia salina, krill, and mysis. They also consume phytoplankton and algae, contributing to the transfer of energy through the food chain. The European Sprat’s feeding habits are crucial for the health of the marine ecosystem, as they help to control populations of zooplankton and other small organisms.
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