Fish

Sprattus sprattus

A tier

Sprattus sprattus appears under whitebait because juvenile sprats are a classic component of European whitebait mixes—tiny whole fish dusted and fried to a crisp. Flavour is marine-sweet and complete in one bite including bones. Use only from fisheries that manage juvenile take responsibly. Fry hot and fast in light batter or flour. The species link explains why some whitebait tastes sprat-like rather than pure herring.