Fin's Fish Guide
The Mediterranean sand eel (Gymnammodytes cicerelus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ammodytidae that grows up to 17 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic coast, on sandy bottoms in shallow coastal water.
Description
The Mediterranean sand eel is a very slender, eel-like marine fish of the family Ammodytidae reaching about 17 cm. The streamlined, silvery body has a greenish back, a pointed head and a projecting lower jaw; unlike many relatives this species has smooth, sparsely scaled skin. It lives on sandy bottoms in shallow coastal water of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic coast and forms large schools above sandbanks. It is notable for being able to burrow into the sand at lightning speed to escape predators. It feeds on zooplankton such as copepods and fish larvae. Sand eels are an important food source for seabirds, larger fish and marine mammals.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mediterranean sand eel?
The Mediterranean sand eel has a snake-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very slender, eel-like silvery small fish with a pointed head; burrows quickly into sandy bottoms and forms large shoals.
Where does the Mediterranean sand eel live?
The Mediterranean sand eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic coast, on sandy bottoms in shallow coastal water.
How big does the Mediterranean sand eel get?
The Mediterranean sand eel grows to a maximum of about 17 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.
Is the Mediterranean sand eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Mediterranean sand eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mediterranean sand eel edible?
The Mediterranean sand eel is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Mediterranean sand eel 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 Gymnammodytes
More from the family Ammodytidae
Want the complete picture on the Mediterranean sand eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mediterranean sand eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.