Night Smelt
NameNight Smelt
Scientific NameSpirinchus starksi
Common NamesNight Smelt, Starks' Smelt
FamilyOsmeridae
OriginEastern Pacific Ocean, North America (British Columbia to California)
Temperamentpeaceful
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)75
Max Size (Inches)6
Water TypeBrackish
Temperature Range (°F)40-60
pH Range7.5-8.5
Compatible SpeciesOther coldwater schooling fish, Larger, peaceful coldwater species
Description
The Night Smelt (Spirinchus starksi) is a small, silvery, schooling fish native to the Eastern Pacific. Anadromous in nature, they spend most of their lives in marine or brackish waters and migrate to freshwater to spawn. They are carnivores, feeding on small invertebrates and zooplankton.
