Fin's Fish Guide
The Japanese surf smelt (Hypomesus japonicus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Osmeridae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The Japanese surf smelt is a smelt (Osmeridae) from cool coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a slender, silvery body with an adipose fin and a characteristic cucumber-like smell. As a schooling fish it swims in coastal and surface water and migrates to the surf to spawn; it eats small zooplankton. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Japanese surf smelt?
The Japanese surf smelt has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Japanese surf smelt live?
The Japanese surf smelt lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Russia, Kuril Is.
How big does the Japanese surf smelt get?
The Japanese surf smelt grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Japanese surf smelt dangerous to humans?
No, the Japanese surf 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.
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 Japanese surf smelt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japanese surf smelt is one of 12,519 species in the app.