Description and characteristics
The sand smelt (Atherina mochon) is a small, elongated fish with a semi-transparent body and a prominent silvery lateral band. It has large eyes and two dorsal fins. Its silvery colouring helps it blend with the water reflections.
Habitat and distribution
The sand smelt inhabits brackish and freshwater habitats of the Danube Delta, being common in coastal areas, lagoons and calm river branches. It lives in large schools near the surface.
Diet and behaviour
It feeds on plankton and small aquatic invertebrates, itself being an important food source for predatory fish. It forms numerous shoals that move with the currents.
Reproduction
Spawning occurs in spring and summer, with females laying eggs on vegetation or bottoms. The fry grow quickly and mature within the first year.
Economic and ecological importance
The sand smelt has an important ecological role as a trophic link, feeding predators and contributing to energy flow. Locally it is also used as food or bait.
Threats and conservation
As a small schooling species it is influenced by pollution and coastal habitat change. Stocks regenerate quickly thanks to a short life cycle.
Fishing and legal minimum size
Sand smelt is fished with fine nets, especially in spring. In the table of minimum legal sizes, the sand smelt (Atherina mochon) has a minimum legal size of 7 cm.
Conclusion
The sand smelt is a numerous, discreet presence in the waters of the Delta, essential for the local food web.