Blackbill Sprat

Tooth-plate on tongue and tooth plate behind it (basihyal and basibranchials tooth plates) broad, their width about 3 to 5 times in their combined length, the basibranchial tooth plate with a distinct bulge in front. Scales fairly strongly attached, not easily lost. No dark pigment on dorsal fin tip (Ref. 188). Silvery, with a dark greenish back. Diffuse yellow or pale orange spot at edge of opercle. Body slender, lower profile not strongly curved (Ref. 7251).

Hysterothylacium Infection 4. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 21; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 12 - 23

Occurs in coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons, tolerating low salinities. Can tolerate a broad range of salinity levels (Ref. 26938). Forms schools, small individuals often along sandy beaches.

Occurs in coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons, tolerating low salinities. Can tolerate a broad range of salinity levels (Ref. 26938). Forms schools, small individuals often along sandy beaches. Its flesh has an unpleasant odor. Utilized as fishmeal (Ref. 5217).

fisheries: minor commercial; bait: usually; price category: low; price reliability: questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this genus