European sprat is a small marine fish from the Clupeidae family and its scientific name is Sprattus sprattus. It lives in temperate and slightly cold seas. In European waters around the world such as Norway and Portugal; In our country, sprat fish can be found in the Black Sea, Marmara and Aegean Sea. It is called papalina in the Aegean Region. They may wander in large flocks near the surface and sometimes wander near the bottom. Although the average length of the sprat is 7-8 cm, it can reach 12-13 cm in length in the Northwestern Black Sea.
The meat of european sprat fish, whose bones are difficult to clean, is also known to be tasteless. Therefore it has no commercial value. On the other hand, it is used as feed for fish such as mackerel and bonito, which have high economic value. It is also sold to fish meal factories as fish feed.
The european sprat is flat from the sides and looks like a missile. Its scales are large and do not adhere well to its body. The fish has a small mouth with its lower jaw curved towards its upper jaw. It has no teeth. The eyes of the sprat are large and its head is of normal size compared to its body. Its back is dark blue, blue and green, its sides are silver and its belly is white. It has a single dorsal fin. The pectoral, abdominal and anal fins are small, and the size of the tail fin is compatible with its body. European sprat have swim bladders and distinct lateral lines. The ventral fin is in line with the front of the dorsal fin. Sprat fish, which are delicate in structure, are among the smallest of the pelagic fish.
When they make a sudden turn while traveling in a flock, they can shed scales even in the water. Bonito, mackerel, bluefish by swimming very close to each other to give the appearance of a large fish. When they are attacked, they leave their scales in the water and mislead the attacking fish.
In January, they enter the Bosphorus in flocks and pass from there to the Marmara Sea. In May, they complete their migration by passing from Marmara to the Black Sea. They are one of the last fish species to migrate to Marmara because they are resistant to cold waters.
European sprat fish looks like a sardine,
european sprat lay their eggs close to the shore. Their eggs do not stick to algae like herring eggs. European sprat which is not a fishing fish, is more difficult to catch with a fishing rod than other fish. It is much easier to catch the blind-eyed hamster with a net.
What are the Benefits of European Sprat ?
European sprat fish has very important benefits for human health considering its small size. Its meat, rich in vitamins, contains around 12-13% fat. It is also rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. In addition, like all fish, it has very important values in terms of vitamins D and E. It has silvery scales and light gray flesh. This meat is used in canning in Northern Europe. European sprat fish can be consumed by baking, frying, grilling and pickling.
