Night Smelt

Spirinchus starksi

Night Smelt

A slim coastal smelt that runs ashore to spawn under cover of darkness, the night smelt gathers in the surf zone on spawning nights. It feeds on small shrimp like crustaceans and is netted as the breeding runs come in.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Osmeriformes › Osmeridae › Spirinchus

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 282843.

FAQ

How deep does the Night Smelt live?
The Night Smelt (Spirinchus starksi) is typically found at to 128 m.
Is the Night Smelt dangerous to divers?
The Night Smelt is harmless to divers.
How big does the Night Smelt get?
The Night Smelt grows to about 23 cm.