Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackbill sprat (Harengula clupeola) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
The false herring is a small herring relative (family Clupeidae) of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a streamlined, laterally compressed and silvery body with a bluish back. It lives in coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons and tolerates a broad range of salinities. In dense schools, often close along sandy beaches, it filters zooplankton from the water. Its flesh is regarded as unpalatable and the species is used mainly as baitfish. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackbill sprat?
The Blackbill sprat has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Tolerates strongly fluctuating salinities; used mainly as a bait fish.
Where does the Blackbill sprat live?
The Blackbill sprat lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil.
How big does the Blackbill sprat get?
The Blackbill sprat grows to a maximum of about 23 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Blackbill sprat dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackbill sprat is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Blackbill sprat edible?
The Blackbill sprat is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Harengula
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackbill sprat?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackbill sprat is one of 12,519 species in the app.