Fin's Fish Guide
The Lesser sandeel (Ammodytes tobianus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ammodytidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, on sandy bottoms in shallow coastal water.
Description
The lesser sandeel is a very slender, eel-like marine fish of the family Ammodytidae reaching about 20 cm. The streamlined, silvery body has a greenish back, a pointed head and a projecting lower jaw. The species lives on sandy bottoms in shallow coastal water of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic and forms large schools above sandbanks. It is notable for being able to burrow rapidly into the sand to escape predators or to spend the night. It feeds on zooplankton such as copepods and fish larvae. Sandeels are a crucial food source for seabirds, marine mammals and commercial fish such as cod and mackerel, and are themselves fished on a large scale for fishmeal.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lesser sandeel?
The Lesser sandeel has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very slender, eel-like silvery small fish with a pointed head and a projecting lower jaw; burrows at lightning speed into sandy bottoms.
Where does the Lesser sandeel live?
The Lesser sandeel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, on sandy bottoms in shallow coastal water.
How big does the Lesser sandeel get?
The Lesser sandeel grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Lesser sandeel dangerous to humans?
No, the Lesser sandeel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Lesser sandeel edible?
The Lesser sandeel is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Lesser sandeel and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ammodytes
More from the family Ammodytidae
Want the complete picture on the Lesser sandeel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lesser sandeel is one of 12,519 species in the app.