Big-scale Sand Smelt
Atherina boyeri
Identification
The big-scale sand smelt is a slender, elongated fish of 8-13 cm (maximum 20 cm) with a striking broad silver lateral stripe along the flanks. The back is light yellow-green, the belly white. The mouth is small and angled upward. It has two separate dorsal fins and relatively large, easily detached scales.
Ecology
Lives in large schools in brackish water: harbors, estuaries, lagoons, and coastal lakes. Tolerates wide variations in salinity. Feeds on plankton and small crustaceans at the water surface.
In the Netherlands
Found in brackish waters such as the Oosterschelde, Grevelingen, harbor areas, and the Delta region. Rarely noticed due to its inconspicuous schooling behavior. Serves as food for terns, gulls, and larger predatory fish.
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Seasonal patterns
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Key predictors
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