Pond smelt
📖 Overview
Inhabits brackish water of estuaries, lagoons, coastal waters of open sea, freshwater of lowland and piedmont rivers and lakes . Found in the middle and surface waters of ponds, lakes, and streams over a variety of bottom types . The species is basically anadromous, ascending rivers to spawn in spring . The anadromous populations are pelagic at the sea, commonly at 4-5 m depth and spawn in rivers. Landlocked populations may spawn in lakes or undertake migration to their tributaries. Spawns along shallow river shores and in backwaters with little or no current, often in lakes, on sand or gravel bottom . Within a specific lake or pond, adults are generally found in inshore spawning areas in spring and early summer, later moving offshore . Feeds on zooplankton, insects and algae . Only a few survive beyond age 3 .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 11; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 13 - 17; Vertebrae: 52 - 56. Vomer without posterior process; periphery of glossohyal bone with single row of conical teeth, another row of smaller teeth in center; pyloric caeca 2 (1-5); base of adipose fin more than 20% of head length; adipose eyelid absent.: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pond smelt is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Pond smelt is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic; anadromous ; depth range 10 - ? m . Boreal; 71°N - 55°N Northwest to Northeast Pacific: drainages from Rae River (Coronation Gulf) and Great Bear Lake in Northwest Territories, Canada to Copper River in Alaska (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton, insects and algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pond smelt is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Pond smelt is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pond smelt has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypomesus olidus bergi | Taranetz | 1936 | Synonym |
| Hypomesus olidus drjagini | Taranetz | 1936 | Synonym |
| Hypomesus sakhalinus | Hamada | 1957 | Synonym |
| Mesopus olidus | Pallas | 1814 | Synonym |
| Salmo olidus | Pallas | 1814 | Homotypic |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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