PORT PHILLIP BAY


Sandy Sprat 

Hyperlophus vittatus

View scientific description and taxonomy

General Description

Body long, slender, compressed; dorsal fin short-based; belly and area before the dorsal-fin origin with thick overlapping scales forming a slightly serrated keel. Body sandy-coloured with a broad silver stripe along the sides. To 10 cm.

Biology

These small schooling fishes are often sold as bait.

Habitat

Sheltered bays and estuaries, in depths of 0-5 m.

Open water

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Fishes Sardines, pilchards and allies

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Max Size

10 cm

Commercial Species

Yes

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Not listed

Author

article author Bray, D.J.

Di Bray is a Senior Collection Manager of ichthyology at Museum Victoria.

Author

article author Gomon, M.F.

Dr. Martin Gomon is a Senior Curator of ichthyology at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
Bray, D.J. & Gomon, M.F., 2011, Sandy Sprat, Hyperlophus vittatus, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 30 Jul 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/6296

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