Small Sandeel
Ammodytes tobianus
Identification
The lesser sand eel is a slender, eel-like fish of 10-20 cm with a pointed snout and silvery flanks. The body is elongated and rounded, without pelvic fins. The lower jaw protrudes slightly. Distinguished from Raitt's sand eel by the V-shaped groove on the upper lip.
Ecology
Lives in large schools in shallow coastal waters over sandy bottoms. Burrows into sand to rest and shelter from predators. Feeds on plankton. The lesser sand eel is a keystone species in the North Sea ecosystem: the primary food source for terns, gulls, gannets, harbor porpoises, cod, and mackerel.
In the Netherlands
Common along the entire Dutch coast, in the Wadden Sea and North Sea. With only 11 records in our database, the species is underrepresented since it is rarely caught by conventional methods. Used by anglers as baitfish in sea fishing.
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Seasonal patterns
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Key predictors
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