Sprat vs. Smelt — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 7, 2024
"Sprat" is a small, oily fish often used for canning and animal feed, while "Smelt" refers to several small fish species prized for their delicate flavor, commonly found in fresh and saltwater.
Difference Between Sprat and Smelt
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Sprat" is known for its small size and oily flesh. Found in the Atlantic and Baltic regions, sprats are often canned or used for fish meal. "Smelt," on the other hand, describes various fish species from freshwater and saltwater environments. Smelts are considered a delicacy in some cuisines, and their mild, soft meat is often fried or baked.
Sprats are more commercially harvested and often processed in bulk for oil or animal feed. Smelts, however, are often caught recreationally and valued for their subtle taste and firm texture.
In terms of habitat, sprats thrive primarily in colder European waters, whereas smelts inhabit rivers, streams, and the coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere.
Sprats are rich in omega-3 fatty acids due to their oily flesh, while smelts are also nutritious and appreciated for their low mercury levels.
Comparison Chart
Size
Small, about 10-15 cm
Small, usually around 15-20 cm
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Habitat
Atlantic and Baltic regions
Freshwater and coastal saltwater
Commercial Use
Canned, fish meal, animal feed
Culinary delicacy, recreational catch
Nutritional
High omega-3 content
Low mercury, mild flavor
Fishing Method
Commercial trawling
Recreational and commercial
Compare with Definitions
Sprat
Used in producing fish meal and oil.
Fishermen often catch sprats for commercial oil production.
Smelt
Often found in freshwater and coastal marine environments.
Smelt are commonly seen in rivers and coastal estuaries.
Sprat
A small, oily fish from the herring family.
Canned sprat is a staple in many Baltic cuisines.
Smelt
Any of several small, silvery fish from the Osmeridae family.
We caught a bucketful of smelt while ice fishing.
Sprat
Found in large shoals in colder Atlantic waters.
Sprats are often seen in vast shoals in the Baltic Sea.
Smelt
Prized for their mild flavor and soft meat.
The chef served lightly fried smelt as an appetizer.
Sprat
Also known as brisling or brisling sardine.
Brisling sardine, or sprat, is a popular snack in Scandinavia.
Smelt
Known for their annual spawning runs in northern waters.
The smelt run attracts fishermen and wildlife every spring.
Sprat
Prized for their omega-3 fatty acids.
Sprats are considered nutritious due to their high omega-3 content.
Smelt
Traditionally cooked whole, with minimal cleaning.
Fried smelt are often eaten whole, with the bones adding a pleasant crunch.
Sprat
Sprat is the common name applied to a group of forage fish belonging to the genus Sprattus in the family Clupeidae. The term also is applied to a number of other small sprat-like forage fish (Clupeoides, Clupeonella, Corica, Ehirava, Hyperlophus, Microthrissa, Nannothrissa, Platanichthys, Ramnogaster, Rhinosardinia, and Stolothrissa).
Smelt
To melt or fuse (ores) in order to separate the metallic constituents.
Sprat
Any of various small marine food fishes of the genus Sprattus, especially S. sprattus of the northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, eaten fresh or smoked and often canned as a sardine. Also called brisling.
Smelt
To melt or fuse. Used of ores.
Sprat
Any of various other fishes of the family Clupeidae, such as a young herring.
Smelt
A past tense and a past participle of smell.
Sprat
Any of various small, herring-like, marine fish in the genus Sprattus, in the family Clupeidae.
Smelt
Any of various small silvery marine, freshwater, and anadromous food fishes of the family Osmeridae, found in cold waters of the Northern Hemisphere, especially Osmerus mordax of North America and O. eperlanus of Europe.
Sprat
Any of various similar fish of other genera.
Smelt
Any small anadromous fish of the family Osmeridae, found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and in lakes in North America and northern part of Europe.
Sprat
(by extension) Anything petty or insignificant.
Smelt
(obsolete) A fool; a simpleton.
Sprat
A sixpence.
Smelt
Production of metal, especially iron, from ore in a process that involves melting and chemical reduction of metal compounds into purified metal.
Sprat
A small European herring (Clupea sprattus) closely allied to the common herring and the pilchard; - called also garvie. The name is also applied to small herring of different kinds.
Smelt
Any of the various liquids or semi-molten solids produced and used during the course of such production.
Sprat
Small fatty European fish; usually smoked or canned like sardines
Smelt
Simple past tense and past participle of smell
Sprat
Small herring processed like a sardine
Smelt
To fuse or melt two things into one, especially in order to extract metal from ore; to meld.
Smelt
Any one of numerous species of small silvery salmonoid fishes of the genus Osmerus and allied genera, which ascend rivers to spawn, and sometimes become landlocked in lakes. They are esteemed as food, and have a peculiar odor and taste.
Smelt
A gull; a simpleton.
Smelt
To melt or fuse, as, ore, for the purpose of separating and refining the metal; hence, to reduce; to refine; to flux or scorify; as, to smelt tin.
Smelt
Small cold-water silvery fish; migrate between salt and fresh water
Smelt
Small trout-like silvery marine or freshwater food fishes of cold northern waters
Smelt
Extract (metals) by heating
Common Curiosities
Are sprats and smelts from the same family?
No, sprats are from the Clupeidae family (herrings), while smelts belong to the Osmeridae family.
How are sprats typically prepared?
Sprats are often canned or smoked and sometimes fried or baked as appetizers.
What makes smelt a delicacy?
Smelt has mild, soft meat and can be cooked whole, providing a delicate, flavorful experience.
Where are smelts typically found?
Smelts are found in freshwater lakes and rivers, as well as coastal marine environments.
Is the taste of sprat different from smelt?
Yes, sprat has a stronger, oilier flavor compared to smelt's milder, subtler taste.
Are smelts more seasonal than sprats?
Yes, smelts are often caught seasonally during their spawning runs, while sprats are available year-round.
Which fish has a higher omega-3 content, sprat or smelt?
Sprats generally have a higher omega-3 content due to their oily nature.
Are sprats often eaten fresh?
Though possible, sprats are more commonly canned, smoked, or used for animal feed.
Are sprats eaten whole like smelts?
Often, yes, sprats are small and soft-boned, making them suitable to eat whole.
Can smelts be consumed raw like sushi?
They are not commonly eaten raw but are often lightly cooked, fried, or baked.
How are smelts best enjoyed?
They are often best enjoyed fried or baked whole with minimal seasoning, highlighting their natural flavor.
What kind of fishery methods are used for catching sprats?
Commercial trawling is the primary method for catching large quantities of sprats.
Do sprats or smelts contain mercury?
Both fish generally have low mercury levels due to their small size and short life cycle.
Can smelts be canned like sprats?
They can be canned but are more often sold fresh or frozen for culinary use.
Why are sprats commonly used for animal feed?
Their oily nature and abundance make them ideal for producing nutritious fish meal.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
