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Deep-sea smelt (Glossanodon semifasciatus) — Argentinidae

Deep-sea smelt

Glossanodon semifasciatus
Family: Argentinidae

The Deep-sea smelt (Glossanodon semifasciatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Argentinidae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
22.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
70.0–1017.0 m
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Viet Nam
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Japanese deep-sea smelt is an argentine (Argentinidae) of the continental slope in the northwest Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender, streamlined, bright-silvery body with large eyes, a small mouth and an adipose fin. As a social fish of deeper water it hovers in schools just above the bottom and snaps at small zooplankton and small crustaceans. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deep-sea smelt?

The Deep-sea smelt has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Deep-sea smelt live?

The Deep-sea smelt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Viet Nam

How big does the Deep-sea smelt get?

The Deep-sea smelt grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.

Is the Deep-sea smelt dangerous to humans?

No, the Deep-sea 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 Deep-sea smelt edible?

Yes, the Deep-sea smelt is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Deep-sea smelt sourced
Scientific name
Glossanodon semifasciatus
Family
Argentinidae
Other names
Deepsea smelt; Deep-sea smelt; Halfbanded argentine; Deep sea smelt verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.7 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
70.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1017.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Viet Nam sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Glossanodon

More from the family Argentinidae

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