Fin's Fish Guide
The Big-scale sand smelt (Atherina boyeri) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Atherinidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, in coastal waters, brackish lagoons and estuaries; sometimes landlocked in fresh water.
Description
The big-scale sand smelt is a slender, translucent silvery fish of the family Atherinidae reaching about 20 cm but usually smaller. Characteristic are the large eyes, two separate dorsal fins and a broad, gleaming silver band along the flank. The species is euryhaline: it lives in coastal waters, brackish lagoons and estuaries of the eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and some populations are landlocked in fresh water. In schools it hunts zooplankton, small crustaceans and larvae. In spring and summer it spawns in shallow water, where the eggs attach with fine threads to water plants. As an abundant prey fish it is important food for larger fish and birds.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Big-scale sand smelt?
The Big-scale sand smelt has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, translucent small fish with large eyes and a broad, shiny silver longitudinal band along the flank.
Where does the Big-scale sand smelt live?
The Big-scale sand smelt lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, in coastal waters, brackish lagoons and estuaries; sometimes landlocked in fresh water.
How big does the Big-scale sand smelt get?
The Big-scale sand smelt grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Big-scale sand smelt dangerous to humans?
No, the Big-scale sand smelt is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Big-scale sand smelt edible?
The Big-scale sand smelt is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Big-scale sand smelt and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Big-scale sand smelt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Big-scale sand smelt is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Atherina
More from the family Atherinidae
Want the complete picture on the Big-scale sand smelt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Big-scale sand smelt is one of 12,519 species in the app.