පොකුරු පිටින් අහුවෙන හාල්මැස්සෝ|කෑවට දැකල තිබුනද හැදෙන හැටි|Fresh Sprats Market

Sprats are a group of small, oily forage fish belonging to the genus Sprattus within the family Clupeidae, which also includes herring and sardines. While the term "sprat" most commonly refers to species in the Sprattus genus, it can also be applied to other small, sprat-like forage fish.
Here's a breakdown of their characteristics:
Appearance: Sprats are typically small, growing to about 8-12 cm (3-5 inches) in length, though some can reach up to 16-19 cm. They have a shiny silver-to-grey coloration, a somewhat elongate and laterally compressed body, and a distinctive keel-like row of sharp scales along their belly. Their tails are deeply forked, and they have small, angular anal and dorsal fins, with the dorsal fin positioned directly above the pelvic fin. Their lower jaw usually projects slightly.
Habitat and Behavior: Sprats are pelagic schooling fish, meaning they live in the open ocean and typically gather in large groups. They are highly active and swim continuously. They are often found in inshore waters and can tolerate a wide range of salinities, sometimes even entering estuaries. They are an important food source for many larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
Diet: Sprats are strict zooplanktivores, meaning they feed exclusively on zooplankton throughout their lives.
Distribution: Different species of sprats are found in various parts of the world, including the North Atlantic Ocean (especially the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and around the British Isles), the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and off the coasts of New Zealand and Australia.
Nutritional Value: Like other oily fish, sprats are recognized for their nutritional value. They are rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are beneficial for human health. They also contain various vitamins and minerals.
Culinary Uses: Sprats are consumed in many places globally. In Northern Europe, they are commonly smoked and preserved in oil, yielding a strong, smoky flavor. They can be canned, salted, breaded, fried, grilled, baked, or marinated. Due to their similar appearance and smooth flavor, sprats are sometimes marketed as or mistaken for small sardines or anchovies. They are often considered a delicious and cost-effective seafood option.