Smooth Sand Lance and Similar Species
Ammodytes tobianus
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Smooth Sand Lance. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Greater Sand Eel
Hyperoplus lanceolatus
Key differences: The Greater Sand Eel is generally larger (up to 30-35 cm vs. 20 cm for A. tobianus), has a more prominent, pointed snout, and its dorsal fin starts further back. It also has a distinct black spot on the snout and a pair of teeth on the roof of the mouth, which A. tobianus lacks.
Raitt's Sand Eel
Ammodytes marinus
Key differences: A. marinus is very similar to A. tobianus and often confused. Key differences are subtle: A. marinus typically has more dorsal fin rays (59-65 vs. 54-61) and more vertebrae (65-70 vs. 60-65). A. marinus also tends to be more offshore and less associated with intertidal zones than A. tobianus. Accurate identification often requires meristic counts.
Northern Sand Lance
Ammodytes dubius
Key differences: Found in more northern waters (e.g., North America, Greenland). It is generally larger and has a more robust body than A. tobianus, with a slightly different fin ray and vertebral count.
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