Surf smelt
📖 Overview
Individuals 3.5 cm may ascend rivers, presumably returning to the sea shortly after . Presumably young move offshore and reappear inshore as mature adults . At sea, they feed on small crustaceans, worms and jellyfish, as well as larval fishes . Females reach age 3, males age 2 . Oviparous, with demersal eggs and planktonic larvae . Eggs are laid on beaches with heavy surf action .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 17; Vertebrae: 64 - 67. Vomer small, without posterior process; periphery of glossohyal bone with single row of blunt teeth, a few teeth located irregularly at center of distal region; base of adipose fin less than 20% of head length; eye small; adipose eyelid well developed . Distinguished by its midlateral scale count of 66 to 73 and the presence of 4 to 7 pyloric caeca . Lateral line short and incomplete, reaching about to tip of pectorals . Adipose sickle-shaped; pectorals small; pelvic fins originating behind or below dorsal origin . Light olive green to brownish on back, sides and belly silvery and iridescent with a bright reflecting band along the side in living specimens; males show more golden hues than females during spawning season . Branchiostegal rays: 7-8 .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Surf smelt is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Surf smelt is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Schools approach the beach to spawn, usually with the females appearing a few days before the males. At spawning, large numbers of males mill about near the edge of the surf. When a female is seen, numbers of males pursue her and try to get into spawning position. If she swims to deeper water, the males desert her. 1 to 5 males swim parallel to and slightly behind a ripe female. The males press against the female and as they reach water 2.5 to 5 cm deep, the fish bend and vibrate, releasing eggs and sperm, then retreat to deeper water. The spawning act may be repeated on several successive waves. Wave action buries the eggs, usually to a depth of 2.5 to10 cm but sometimes to as deep as 30 cm .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; benthopelagic; diadromous . Temperate; 61°N - 33°N, 163°W - 117°W
🌿 Ecology
small crustaceans, worms and jellyfish, as well as larval fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Surf 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 633 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Surf 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina pretiosa | Girard | 1854 | Synonym |
| Hypomesus pretiosus pretiosus | Girard | 1854 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 19 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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