Longfin Smelt (Spirinchus thaleicthys)
Identification: Head short, mouth large and oblique. No concentric markings on operculum. Pectoral fin longer than head. Colour is usually dusky or olive-brown above, silvery below. Fins usually pigmented along the rays, but interray membranes clear. Dense black speckling present on head and dorsal surface. Spawning males develop moss-green backs and darker speckling. Adult length up to 150 mm.
Life History: Anadromous. Spawning occurs from October to December in freshwater streams close to the ocean. Fecundity is about 18,000 eggs per female. Most adults die after spawning although some may survive to a second spawn.
Feeding: Small crustaceans are the main diet in brackish or salt water, young in freshwater feed on shrimp.
References:
Scott, W and Crossman, E. 1973. Freshwater Fishes of Canada. Fisheries Research Board of Canada. Bulletin 184. Ottawa, Ontario.
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