Fin's Fish Guide
The New Zealand common smelt (Retropinna retropinna) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Retropinnidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The New Zealand common smelt is a smelt (Retropinnidae) from cool fresh and brackish water of waters around New Zealand. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, translucent, silvery body with an adipose fin and a characteristic cucumber-like smell. As a schooling fish it swims in clear rivers, lakes and estuaries and eats small zooplankton and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the New Zealand common smelt?
The New Zealand common smelt has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the New Zealand common smelt live?
The New Zealand common smelt lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: New Zealand
How big does the New Zealand common smelt get?
The New Zealand common smelt grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the New Zealand common smelt dangerous to humans?
No, the New Zealand common 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 Retropinna
More from the family Retropinnidae
Want the complete picture on the New Zealand common smelt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the New Zealand common smelt is one of 12,519 species in the app.