Raitt's Sandeel

Identification

Raitt's sand eel is an elongated, silvery-grey fish of 15-25 cm with a pointed snout and protruding lower jaw. The body is laterally compressed, without pelvic fins. Distinguished from the lesser sand eel by a black spot on the side of the snout and its larger size.

Ecology

Lives in large schools in the open North Sea, usually at 30-100 meters depth over sandy bottoms. Burrows rapidly into sand when threatened. Feeds on plankton and fish eggs. A crucial link in the North Sea ecosystem: a primary food source for cod, mackerel, gannets, puffins, and seals.

In the Netherlands

Common in the offshore North Sea, rarely seen near the coast. Harvested industrially in large quantities for fishmeal and fish oil. Industrial sandeel fisheries are controversial due to their impact on seabird populations.