Whitebait Smelt
NameWhitebait Smelt
Scientific NameOsmerus mordax
Common NamesRainbow Smelt, American Smelt, Icefish, Whitebait Smelt
FamilyOsmeridae
OriginNorth Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Great Lakes, North America
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)200
Max Size (Inches)14
Water TypeBrackish
Temperature Range (°F)39-59
pH Range6.5-8.0
Description
The Whitebait Smelt, often referring to species like the Rainbow Smelt, is a slender, silvery, coldwater fish known for its distinctive cucumber-like smell. It is an anadromous species, spending parts of its life in both marine and freshwater environments. These schooling fish are primarily predatory, feeding on zooplankton and smaller fish.
