Lesser Sand-Eel
Ammodytes marinus
- Group: Eel
- Typical depth: 10–150 m
- Max size: 25 cm
- For divers: safe
This slim sand eel spends much of its time buried in the seabed, emerging to form dense shoals when strong tidal currents stir up the plankton it feeds on. It comes out to feed in bright conditions and dives back into the sand at night and through winter. Reaching about 25 centimetres, it is a key food for seabirds, seals and larger fish across the North Atlantic.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Perciformes › Ammodytidae › Ammodytes
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 126751.
FAQ
- How deep does the Lesser Sand-Eel live?
- The Lesser Sand-Eel (Ammodytes marinus) is typically found at 10–150 m.
- Is the Lesser Sand-Eel dangerous to divers?
- The Lesser Sand-Eel is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Lesser Sand-Eel get?
- The Lesser Sand-Eel grows to about 25 cm.