What is a sprat?

Sprats are small, oily fish that belong to the family Clupeidae, which also includes herrings and sardines. They are found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, the Baltic Sea, and other parts of Europe. Sprats are commonly used for human consumption, either fresh, smoked, or canned, and are valued for their rich flavor and high omega-3 fatty acid content. These fish also play an important role in the marine food chain, serving as prey for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.