How large do sand eels get?

Sand eels can reach up to about 30 cm (12 in) in length.

Where are sand eels commonly found?

Many species are found off western European coasts from Spain to Scotland, and in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.

What are sand eels used for commercially?

They have been used in fish-meal production and made up about 4% of fish globally caught for fish-meal between 1997 and 2001.

Which seabirds feed on sand eels?

Seabirds such as puffins and kittiwakes feed on sand eels.

Do sand eels refer to a single species?

No; 'sand eel' refers to a number of different species rather than a single species.

Are sand eels found outside Europe?

The source specifies many species occur around western Europe, the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas; it does not provide information about other regions.

How important are sand eels to global fish-meal production?

Between 1997 and 2001 sand eels made up about 4% of the fish caught globally for fish-meal production.

Where to See Sand Eel While Diving

Q: Are sand eels true eels?

No; they are not true eels but are eel-like in appearance.

Sand eel or sandeel is the common name applied to a considerable number of fish species. They are not true eels but are eel-like in appearance and can grow up to about 30 cm (12 in) in length. Many species occur off the western coasts of Europe from Spain to Scotland, and in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas. Sand eels are an important prey item for seabirds such as puffins and kittiwakes. They are also commercially important for fish-meal production.

Sand eels are an important food source for seabirds such as puffins and kittiwakes.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Marsa Alam (Abu Dabbab and Elphinstone), El Hierro, Gran Canaria and countries such as Egypt, Spain, French Polynesia for divers building trips around sand eels.