What does the sprat fish look like?

Sprats are small, silvery fish with a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body. They have a distinctive feature: a dark spot on the side of their body, just behind the gill cover.

Here's a more detailed description:

* Size: Typically 6-10 cm (2.4-4 inches) long, but can reach up to 15 cm (6 inches)

* Shape: Fusiform (torpedo-shaped), with a slightly compressed body

* Color: Silvery, with a dark spot behind the gill cover. The back is often bluish-green, and the belly is white.

* Head: Small with a pointed snout

* Mouth: Small and terminal (at the end of the snout)

* Eyes: Large and positioned high on the head

* Scales: Small, thin, and easily detached

* Fins: Two dorsal fins, one anal fin, and paired pectoral, pelvic, and caudal fins.

They are often mistaken for sardines, which are closely related. However, sprats have a slightly more compressed body shape and a more pronounced dark spot.

Here are some helpful images:

* [Image 1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprat#/media/File:Sprattus_sprattus_01.jpg)

* [Image 2](https://www.fishbase.se/Photos/PicturesSummary.php?ID=1026)

I hope this description helps you visualize what a sprat looks like!