How to Identify European Sprat

To identify European Sprat (Sprattus sprattus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal side is dark blue-green to greenish-brown, fading to bright silvery flanks and belly. The operculum (gill cover) often has a golden sheen.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Keeled belly with sharp, serrated scales (scutes) that are easily felt when running a finger along the belly from tail to head., Origin of the dorsal fin is typically behind the origin of the pelvic fins., Absence of dark spots on the body (distinguishes from some herring species)., Relatively large eyes compared to body size.

Dorsal fin

Single, short dorsal fin located mid-body, typically with 13-16 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, symmetrical lobes.

Pectoral fin

Small, located low on the body, with 13-15 soft rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small, located beneath or slightly anterior to the dorsal fin origin, with 7-8 soft rays. Anal fin is short, located far back on the body, with 16-20 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size

   Adults typically reach 10-16 cm in length, with a maximum recorded length of about 20 cm.

2. 2

   Belly Keel

   Run a finger along the belly from tail to head; the sharp, serrated scutes are a key distinguishing feature from other small clupeids like juvenile herring.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin Position

   The dorsal fin origin is typically behind the origin of the pelvic fins. In contrast, Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus) usually have the dorsal fin origin anterior to or directly above the pelvic fin origin.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Bright silvery flanks and belly, with a darker blue-green back. Lacks the dark spots often seen on the sides of some other small clupeids.

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