Author: (Linnaeus, 1758)
FBname: European smelt
Comments: Inhabits marine waters, estuaries and large lakes (Ref. 59043).  A midwater species, rarely far from shore, primarily anadromous in the west and lacustrine in the east; shoaling at least during spawning season (Ref. 4545).  The essential part of its life is spend in the estuarine zone, with just short incursions in the littoral zone (Ref. 51442).  The migratory form is grouping together in the estuarine zone for reproduction (Ref. 51442).  Enters the rivers for spawning on sandy or gravely bottoms (Ref. 13696).  Spawns in tributaries of lakes or along shallow shores of lakes and rivers on sand, gravel, stones and plant material, preferably in fast-flowing water (Ref. 59043).  Reproduction takes place between February and May, depending on the water-temperature (Ref. 51442).  Produces 8,000-50,000 yellow eggs with a diameter of 0.6-0.9 mm which adhere to the bottom (Ref. 13696, Ref. 51442).  Eggs hatch in 3-5 weeks and the larvae descend to the estuarine zone (Ref. 13696, Ref. 51442).  Feeds on shrimps and small crustaceans; larger individuals feed on small fish (Ref. 30578, Ref. 51442).  Utilized as foodfish, smoked, as bait and fish oil (Ref. 35388).  Smells like cucumber (Ref. 37032, 51442).  Locally threatened due to pollution and barriers to migration (Ref. 59043).