Rainbow smelt
Osmerus mordax
Summary 2
Family: Osmeridae
Originally from the east coast of the United States, rainbow smelt(Osmerus mordax) were introduced into the Great Lakes to provide forage for salmon. Over time, they became abundant. Live in the big lakes, but migrate up rivers and streams in early spring to reproduce. This is when most people fish for them. Rainbow smelt numbers are currently declining.
How to recognize: Large mouth almost extends past the rear of the eye. Large teeth readily visible when mouth is open. Small fleshy fin on the back, in front of the tail. Long and skinny. Color is silvery, but may be iridescent when the light hits it right. Up to 10 inches /25 centimeters long.
Sources and Credits
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- (c) alavire, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
