Fin's Fish Guide
The Night smelt (Spirinchus starksi) is a saltwater fish of the family Osmeridae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
Starks' smelt is a smelt (Osmeridae) from cold coastal water of the northeast Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender, streamlined, translucent silvery body with an adipose fin and smells faintly of cucumber. As a social schooling fish it swims along the coast and eats small zooplankton and small crustaceans; to spawn it comes to sandy beaches at night in large numbers. It is a bait and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Night smelt?
The Night smelt has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Night smelt live?
The Night smelt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North America: Canada, USA, Alaska
How big does the Night smelt get?
The Night smelt grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.
Is the Night smelt dangerous to humans?
No, the Night 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 Night smelt edible?
Yes, the Night smelt is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Spirinchus
More from the family Osmeridae
Want the complete picture on the Night smelt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Night smelt is one of 12,519 species in the app.