Sandy Sprat

Hyperlophus vittatus

Hyperlophus vittatus - Sandy Sprat
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Size: 10 cm

Distribution: All SA continental waters

Habitat: Estuaries, tidepools and coastal waters

Depth: Intertidal (tidepools). Subtidal to 10+ metres

Hyperlophus vittatus - Sandy Sprat
Hyperlophus vittatus - Sandy Sprat
Hyperlophus vittatus - Sandy Sprat

Common in bays and estuaries, this silvery, schooling fish has a single short dorsal fin, deeply-forked tail and a distinctive whitish midline stripe. Although these features can be used to identify this species, the identification of small, silvery, schooling fishes from families such as Clupeidae and Atherinidae is usually best performed with expert consultation.