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 Sprat Sprattus antipodum, New Zealand - New Zealand herring, Italy -Spratto, Papalina, Germany - Sprotte, Spain - Espadin Average size about 3.5- 5 inches, grow to 7 inches. Restricted to New Zealand only. Dark blue above, silver below. Laterally compressed and a row of scutes along belly midline; these two features distinguish the species from anchovy, pilchard and small mullet. Pelagic and common in inshore waters around South Island and in localized patches around New Zealand's North Island. Tends to be a bottom or mid-water species except during summer, when surface shoals may appear. Found all year; extends to deeper water in summer and retreats to close inshore for spawning during winter. No developed fishery at present. Sometimes caught for bait. Resource size unknown but possibly moderate. Flesh darkish, oily. Suitable for canning.
FAMILY: Clupeidae (sardines, herrings) |
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