Sprat Fish is a relatively new dish that has been gaining recognition lately. Originally from Italy, this fresh fish is a simple but delicious snack perfect for those on the go.
In addition to being quick, sprat fish is also very healthy – making it a great food for children and adults alike. Sprats are small freshwater fish native to northern Europe and North America.
They are small enough to be eaten whole with a fork, and unlike other types of fish, they do not require any preparation before eating.
They have a rather mild flavor that the flavors of the accompanying dish can enhance. This can range from sauces and spices to different fruits and vegetables.
Many people prefer this type of fish over other types because it is less frequently found in grocery stores.
Sprat fish characteristics
Sprat fish is a small freshwater fish with a small head and mouth, a medium-length body, and a large tail. The dorsal fin is positioned in the middle of the back.
Sprats have basic scales rather than the bony plates found on most fish. They also have sharp teeth that help them crush hard food items like insects, worms, and crustaceans.
Sprats are not considered overly tasty by most people, but their taste can be enhanced with different flavors and sauces if desired.
The appearance
Sprat fish is a small silverfish that averages about six inches in length. Their bodies are shaped to feature a small head, a moderate-sized body, and a large tail.
The dorsal fin can be found on the back and sits about two-thirds back from the head. Sprats have basic scales rather than the bony plates found on most other fish species.
They also have sharp teeth that help them crush hard food items like insects, worms, and crustaceans.
Breeding
Sprats are anadromous fish, which means they spend part of their lives in saltwater and part of their lives in freshwater.
They breed in the spring and summer months, with the male sprat forming a large clump of nesting material on shallow shoreline areas.
The female sprat will lay upward to 35,000 eggs in a single batch, with each fish typically producing two batches per year.
The eggs hatch after about two weeks and will float to the top – where predators eat them. The young will feed on zooplankton until fully grown, which takes approximately three years.
Sprat Fish are extremely prolific, which means they can produce a large amount of offspring over a short period.
They also have a high survival rate, which allows them to thrive in the water despite competition from more dominant animals and the ever-present threat of predators.
Sprats can survive in various environments so long as they are given enough oxygen, food, and shelter to rest in between feeding periods. However, the sprat is most comfortable in freshwater.
Diet
Sprat Fish are primarily herbivores, which means they will only eat vegetation. They prefer to graze over areas that include grass and sedges, and other plants.
Sprats prefer to eat small worms, shrimp, crustaceans, mussels, and the seeds of aquatic plants. Sprats can be found in parts of North America that range from Nova Scotia to North Dakota – and their range is not limited to freshwater areas.
Uses
Sprat fish is a freshwater fish widely available and easy to catch in many parts of the world.
This can make it an ideal food for people who often travel to different parts of the country. Sprat fish is also known as “pilchard” or “pilchards.”
Special Note
Sprats are unique because they are one of the only types of fish eaten whole. They have a mild flavor that any accompanying dish can enhance.
Many people prefer sprat fish over other types because it is less frequently found in grocery stores. Sprats are small and do not require much preparation before cooking, making them perfect for those on the go.
Review the full breed profile of this fish in the table below.
| Name | European Sprat |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Clupeiformes |
| Family | Clupeidae |
| Species S. | sprattus |
| Binomial Name | Sprattus sprattus |
| Other Names | Also known as Bristling, Brisling, Skipper, Garvie, Garvock, Russet, Russian Sardine, Sprat, and Whitebait |
| Breed Purpose | Food |
| Special Notes | Economically important fish species, juveniles are used as bait, also used in the production of fish meal, around 12 percent fat in the flesh, a great source of many vitamins, can be canned, dried, salted, baked, marinated, and so on, around 6 years of average lifespan |
| Breeding Method | Natural |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Body Color | Silver |
| Rarity | Common |
| Availability | Europe |
Conclusion
One of the best things about sprat fish is that it is delicious and nutritious. It’s low in cholesterol and high in protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and selenium (to name a few).
It can be baked, grilled, pan-fried, microwaved, or added to various soups or salads. Sprats are found year-round at fresh markets or fish stores at affordable prices. They most often weigh less than one pound when purchased whole.
