Identification
The smooth sand eel is a slender, elongated fish of 15 to 25 cm with a pointed snout and protruding lower jaw. The back is greenish-blue, flanks and belly silvery. Key distinction from other sand eels: the belly is unscaled (scaled in the lesser sand eel). The dorsal fin is long and continuous.
Ecology
Lives in schools above sandy substrates and quickly burrows into sand when threatened. Feeds on plankton and small fish fry. Important prey for seabirds, cod, and other predatory fish.
In the Netherlands
Found in the North Sea but difficult to distinguish from related species. Occurrence is less well documented than the lesser sand eel.
