European Smelt
NameEuropean Smelt
Scientific NameOsmerus eperlanus
Common NamesEuropean Smelt, Smelt, Common Smelt, Sparling
FamilyOsmeridae
OriginNorth Atlantic, Baltic Sea, European Coasts, Freshwater Lakes of Europe
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Leveladvanced
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)180
Max Size (Inches)12
Water TypeBrackish
Temperature Range (°F)40-68
pH Range6.0-8.0
Compatible SpeciesSpecies-only tank, Large temperate minnows, Other robust coldwater fish too large to be eaten
Description
The European Smelt is a slender, silvery fish known for its distinctive cucumber-like smell. It is an anadromous species, spending most of its life in coastal waters and estuaries but migrating to freshwater to spawn, though landlocked freshwater populations also exist. These active, schooling carnivores require cold, clean water and a large environment, making them challenging for typical home aquariums.
