Fin's Fish Guide
The cigarfish (Hypomesus olidus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Osmeridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The pond smelt is a smelt (Osmeridae) from the northern Pacific and the Arctic. The species is small and slender with a translucent, silvery body and a small adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins. It lives in brackish water of estuaries and lagoons, in coastal waters and in freshwater lakes and rivers. It feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. It is an important prey and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the cigarfish?
The cigarfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Translucent silvery body with an adipose fin; salt-tolerant smelt of the far north.
Where does the cigarfish live?
The cigarfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. North Pacific and Arctic region; estuaries, lakes and rivers.
How big does the cigarfish get?
The cigarfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 11 cm.
Is the cigarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the cigarfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the cigarfish edible?
Yes, the cigarfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hypomesus
More from the family Osmeridae
Want the complete picture on the cigarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the cigarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.