Corbin's Sandeel

Identification

Corbin's sand eel closely resembles the greater sand eel but lacks the dark spot on the snout characteristic of Hyperoplus lanceolatus. The body is slender and elongated, up to 25 cm, with a silvery belly and greenish-blue back. The snout is pointed with a protruding lower jaw.

Ecology

Lives in schools above sandy substrates and burrows rapidly when threatened. Feeds on plankton and small fry. An important link in the North Sea food web as prey for larger predators and seabirds.

In the Netherlands

Found in the North Sea but often not distinguished from the greater sand eel, making its occurrence poorly documented.