Fin's Fish Guide
The European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Osmeridae that grows up to 45 cm.
Coastal waters and river mouths of Northwest Europe, from the Baltic Sea to the Bay of Biscay; some populations live in fresh water all year round.
Description
The European smelt is a slender, salmon-like fish of the family Osmeridae reaching about 45 cm but usually much smaller. The translucent silvery body has a greenish back, an adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins and a fairly large mouth with small, sharp teeth. Notably, freshly caught smelt smell strongly of cucumber. The species lives in schools in coastal waters and river mouths of north-western Europe; some populations are landlocked in lakes and stay in fresh water year-round. It hunts small zooplankton, shrimps and young fish. In spring the smelt runs up rivers in large schools to spawn. In the past it was caught in great quantities and eaten fried.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the European smelt?
The European smelt has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, translucent silver small fish with an adipose fin and a mouth full of small teeth; freshly caught specimens smell of cucumber.
Where does the European smelt live?
The European smelt lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Coastal waters and river mouths of Northwest Europe, from the Baltic Sea to the Bay of Biscay; some populations live in fresh water all year round.
How big does the European smelt get?
The European smelt grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 17 cm.
Is the European smelt dangerous to humans?
No, the European smelt is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the European smelt edible?
Yes, the European smelt is commonly eaten.
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Same genus Osmerus
More from the family Osmeridae
Want the complete picture on the European smelt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the European smelt is one of 12,519 species in the app.