Pacific Sand Lance in Detail.

Pacific sand lance are a small thin fish with metallic silver and blue elongate, compressed bodies. They feature one line that runs high along the sides of their body. They grow up to around 8 inches long.

Pacific sand lance hide shallow in sand and gravel. They are widespread throughout the coastal waters of Alaska.

Pacific sand lance are an important species as they make up a large portion of the food chain for predators such as halibut, rockfish, salmon as well as seabirds such as the Rhinoceros Auklet, Double-crested Cormorant and Red-throated Loon, and marine mammals including the Steller sea lion, fur seal and humpback whale.