Habitat characteristics and diel patterns of sand lance (Ammodytes spp) in coastal Newfoundland

Fish select habitat based on many abiotic and biotic factors, with some species having narrow habitat requirements due to morphological traits. Fish of the genus Ammodytes (sand lance) are small schooling pelagic forage fish that lack a swim bladder and burrow into sandy substrate when not actively feeding to avoid predation and reduce energy expenditure. Sand lance species in the Pacific and Northeast Atlantic show diel shifts in feeding in the water column and burrowing, but diel patterns for species in the Northwest Atlantic remain unclear. The objectives of this study were to investigate sand lance habitat characteristics and diel behaviour during July–August 2013–2021 on the northeast Newfoundland coast. Integrating underwater camera surveys, sediment grabs, and hydroacoustics, sand lance were found associated with fine sediment (0.5–4 mm) that were