Smelt Family
[family Osmeridae several genera]

These tiny fish are related to Salmon, with some freshwater species, some saltwater and some that are freshwater and coastal brakish. . Various species are native to Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the U.S. and Canada, some as far south as Southern California but most in northern waters. Smelt are also found along the coasts of Europe and the western Pacific. A variety native to the U.S. northeast coast was introduced to the U.S. Great Lakes in about 1918 and became an important catch there, but the population is currently in decline.

Rainbow Smelt - [Osmerus mordax]

This smelt, native to the rivers and bays of eastern North America from Labrador, Canada south to New Jersey, is the smelt traditionally most eaten in North America. They were introduced to the Great Lakes and became a major commercial catch there, but the fishery has been in severe decline for quite a few years.   Details and Cooking.   Watercolor by Ellen Edmonson and Hugh Chrisp, copyright expired.

Europen Smelt - [Stinte (German), Osmerus eperlanus]

This fish is found along the coast from the Baltic Sea to the Bay of Biscay (west coast of France and north coast of Spain. It is noted for having a strong odor of cucumbers. European Smelt can grow to nearly 12 inches but most are considerably smaller. A fresh water variety inhabits lakes and streams in Northern Europe. European Smelt is very similar to and closely related to the Rainbow Smelt of North America, so use Details and Cooking for Rainbow Smelt.   Photo in public domain.

Delta Smelt - [Hypomesus transpacificus]

This fish is primarily noted as a political problem. Delta Smelt are very sensitive to environmental changes, and are considered endangered. To protect the fish a federal court has limited pumping water from the Sacremanto Delta for shipment to the Central Valley and Southern Califonria. Reduced pumping has resulted in job loss in the Central Valley, though not nearly so much as its enemies claim (more is due to several years of drought). Delta smelt grow to between 2.0 and 2.8 inches long.   Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service = public domain.

Capelin - [Shishamo (Japan (with roe)); Mallotus villosus]

This fish is native to the region around Iceland and also off the coasts of Newfoundland, Québec and Labrador Canada ranging well above the arctic circle during the summer. Capelin are harvested for fish meal and fish oil as well as for human consumption. Capelin roe (bottom in picture above) is a high value item and is served as masago in sushi bars in Japan and California. Asian markets here in Los Angeles sell capelin with roe when in season. Males grow to a bit over 7-3/4 inches, females to a little over 9-3/4 inches, but the photo specimen was 6 inches and weighed 7-1/2 ounces including 2-1/8 ounces of roe.   Details and Cooking.