Fin's Fish Guide
The Raitt's sandeel (Ammodytes marinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ammodytidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea, on sandbanks in coastal and offshore areas.
Description
Raitt's sandeel is a very slender, eel-like marine fish of the family Ammodytidae reaching about 25 cm. The streamlined, silvery body has a greenish back, a pointed head and a projecting lower jaw. The species lives on sandbanks in the north-eastern Atlantic and the North Sea, forming enormous schools. It is notable for being able to burrow into the sand at lightning speed to escape predators or to rest at night. It feeds on zooplankton, mainly copepods and fish larvae. Raitt's sandeel is one of the most important food sources of the North Sea: it is crucial food for seabirds, marine mammals and commercial fish, and is itself fished on a large scale for fishmeal.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Raitt's sandeel?
The Raitt's 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; forms enormous shoals and burrows quickly into sand.
Where does the Raitt's sandeel live?
The Raitt's sandeel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea, on sandbanks in coastal and offshore areas.
How big does the Raitt's sandeel get?
The Raitt's sandeel grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Raitt's sandeel dangerous to humans?
No, the Raitt's sandeel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Raitt's sandeel edible?
The Raitt's sandeel is rarely eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Raitt's 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 Raitt's sandeel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Raitt's sandeel is one of 12,519 species in the app.