Longfin Smelt
Spirinchus thaleichthys
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: to 137 m
- Max size: 20 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
A slender anadromous smelt that lives close to shore in bays and estuaries, the longfin smelt runs up coastal streams to spawn. Some populations are landlocked and stay smaller than the sea run fish. It feeds on small crustaceans and reaches about 20 centimetres, with a faint cucumber smell typical of smelts.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Osmeriformes › Osmeridae › Spirinchus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 282844.
FAQ
- How deep does the Longfin Smelt live?
- The Longfin Smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) is typically found at to 137 m.
- Is the Longfin Smelt dangerous to divers?
- The Longfin Smelt is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Longfin Smelt get?
- The Longfin Smelt grows to about 20 cm.