Family Ammodytidae - sand lances

This family of small fishes (less than 30 cm) occurs in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. They form large schools and many species bury themselves in the sand. Larger predators, such as salmon, utilize the sand lances as a forage fish.

Pacific sand lance- Ammodytes hexapterus

Remarks: Rarely seen in the bay but commonly forms schools outside. Predaceous fishes and marine mammals feed heavily on these small fish when they are abundant. At times it will dart into the sandy substrate completely burying itself from which it received its name.

Identification: Recognized by a long slender body with folds of skin along each side of its belly. The lower jaw projects forward. Both dorsal and anal fins are long and the caudal is forked.

Range: Can be found offshore and inshore from the surface to a depth of 47m. Common in southern California to the Bering Sea.