Eulachon

Thaleichthys pacificus

Eulachon

This smelt spends most of its life at sea feeding on plankton, then runs up coastal rivers to spawn, often returning to the stream where it hatched. Its flesh is so oily that a dried fish can be lit like a candle, and runs may carry it more than a hundred and fifty kilometres upstream.

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

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 282959.

FAQ

How deep does the Eulachon live?
The Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) is typically found at 0–300 m.
Is the Eulachon dangerous to divers?
The Eulachon is harmless to divers.
How big does the Eulachon get?
The Eulachon grows to about 34 cm.