Fin's Fish Guide
The European sprat (Sprattus sprattus) is a saltwater fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, in coastal and surface waters.
Description
The European sprat is a small, slender herring relative of the family Clupeidae reaching about 16 cm. The silvery, compressed body has a blue-green back and a sharp, saw-edged belly keel; the species resembles a small herring but has the dorsal fin set further back. The sprat lives in huge schools in coastal and surface waters of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea, the Baltic and the Mediterranean. It filters small zooplankton such as copepods and fish larvae from the water. The sprat is an important commercial fish, canned (as 'brisling' among others) and smoked, and is also a key prey for predatory fish, seabirds and marine mammals in the North Sea.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the European sprat?
The European sprat has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, slender herring-like fish with a sharp, serrated ventral keel and a low-set dorsal fin; forms enormous shoals. Please note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the European sprat live?
The European sprat lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, in coastal and surface waters.
How big does the European sprat get?
The European sprat grows to a maximum of about 16 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the European sprat dangerous to humans?
No, the European sprat is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the European sprat edible?
Yes, the European sprat is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the European sprat and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sprattus
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the European sprat?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the European sprat is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone