Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded blue sprat (Spratelloides gracilis) is a saltwater fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The silver-stripe round herring is a small herring-like fish of the family Clupeidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, roundish, translucent body with a conspicuous shining silver lateral stripe. It forms dense schools in relatively clear inshore coastal waters. As a plankton feeder it feeds on small zooplankton. As an extremely abundant prey fish it is an important link in the food web and a widely used bait fish for the tuna fishery. Owing to its small size the species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded blue sprat?
The Banded blue sprat has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Translucent with a shiny silver longitudinal stripe; abundant bait and prey fish for the tuna fishery.
Where does the Banded blue sprat live?
The Banded blue sprat lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Indo-Pacific; relatively clear inshore coastal waters.
How big does the Banded blue sprat get?
The Banded blue sprat grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Banded blue sprat dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded blue sprat is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded blue sprat edible?
Yes, the Banded blue sprat is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Spratelloides
More from the family Clupeidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded blue sprat is one of 12,519 species in the app.