Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth sandeel (Gymnammodytes semisquamatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ammodytidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea, on sandy and gravel bottoms in coastal water.
Description
The smooth sandeel is a very slender, eel-like marine fish of the family Ammodytidae reaching about 30 cm. The streamlined, silvery body has a greenish back, a pointed head with a projecting lower jaw and, unlike many relatives, a largely scaleless, smooth skin. The species lives on sand and gravel bottoms in coastal water of the north-eastern Atlantic and the North Sea and forms 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. Sandeels are an important food source for seabirds, marine mammals and commercial fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth sandeel?
The Smooth 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 largely scaleless, smooth skin and a pointed head; burrows quickly into sand.
Where does the Smooth sandeel live?
The Smooth sandeel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea, on sandy and gravel bottoms in coastal water.
How big does the Smooth sandeel get?
The Smooth sandeel grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Smooth sandeel dangerous to humans?
No, the Smooth sandeel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Smooth sandeel edible?
The Smooth sandeel is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Smooth 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 Gymnammodytes
More from the family Ammodytidae
Want the complete picture on the Smooth sandeel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth sandeel is one of 12,519 species in the app.