Sprat is one of the smaller sea fish in the herring family. Sprat grow to 8 inches (20 centimeters) long. They live in European coastal waters from the Baltic and North seas to the Mediterranean and Black seas. They have a flattened body with a saw-toothed edge along the belly. Sprat are important food fish. They are eaten fresh or smoked. Some are canned in oil as brisling sardines. Others are processed for oil and fish meal. See also Herring; Sardine.