Fin's Fish Guide
The Arctic rainbow smelt (Osmerus dentex) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Osmeridae that grows up to 34 cm.
Description
The Arctic rainbow smelt is a smelt from cold coastal and fresh waters of the northern Pacific and the Arctic Ocean. The species grows to about 34 cm and has a slender, translucent silvery body with an adipose fin and small sharp teeth. It is anadromous: it lives at sea and migrates into rivers to spawn. Freshly caught it smells strongly of cucumber. It forms schools and eats zooplankton and small fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Arctic rainbow smelt?
The Arctic rainbow smelt has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Anadromous; smells of cucumber; adipose fin and small sharp teeth
Where does the Arctic rainbow smelt live?
The Arctic rainbow smelt lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. North Pacific and Arctic Ocean
How big does the Arctic rainbow smelt get?
The Arctic rainbow smelt grows to a maximum of about 34 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Arctic rainbow smelt dangerous to humans?
No, the Arctic rainbow smelt is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Arctic rainbow smelt edible?
Yes, the Arctic rainbow smelt is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Osmerus
More from the family Osmeridae
Want the complete picture on the Arctic rainbow smelt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Arctic rainbow smelt is one of 12,519 species in the app.