Sand eel

Sand Eel or Sandeel is the common name used for a considerable number of species of fish. Most of them are sea fish of the genera Hyperoplus (greater sandeels), Gymnammodytes or Ammodytes, and are found off the western coasts of Europe from Spain to Scotland; one species of Hyperoplus is found in the Baltic Sea. Species from other parts of the world also known as sandeels are less closely related. None of the Sand Eels are related to the true eels.

Sandeels are an important food source for diving birds, including puffins and shags. Traditionally they have been little exploited for human food, but increasing fishing of them is thought to be causing problems for some of their natural predators especially the auks which take them in deeper water.

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