Night smelt
📖 Overview
Night smelt (Spirinchus starksi), first described by Fisk, 1913 is a medium-sized fish in the family Osmeridae (order Osmeriformes). Adults typically reach 23.00 cm in maximum length. Reported lifespan reaches approximately 3 years. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Temperate waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species is important as a food fish and valued as a game and sport species. As a member of the Osmeridae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 15 - 19; Vertebrae: 60 - 64. In males, pectoral fins longer; tuberculate on head, scales, and lower fins . Green with silvery sides .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Night smelt is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous . Spawns in the surf at night .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range ? - 128 m . Temperate; 60°N - 34°N, 144°W - 120°W Northeast Pacific: southeastern Alaska to Point Arguello in central California, USA.
🌿 Ecology
small shrimp-like crustaceans (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Night 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 Night smelt is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Night smelt has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (oily fish average)
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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