Surf smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus) fish species and information / pictures of Surf smelt - Hypomesus pretiosus

Surf smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Hypomesus pretiosus

Common Name
Surf smelt

Biology
Individuals 3.5 cm may ascend rivers, presumably returning to the sea shortly after (Ref. 27547). Presumably young move offshore and reappear inshore as mature adults (Ref. 27547). At sea, they feed on small crustaceans, worms and jellyfish, as well as larval fishes (Ref. 6885, 10276). Females reach age 3, males age 2 (Ref. 27547). Oviparous, with demersal eggs and planktonic larvae (Ref. 35792). Eggs are laid on beaches with heavy surf action (Ref. 33312).

Classification

Classified By
Girard, 1854
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Smelts (Osmeriformes)
Family
Smelts (Osmeridae)

Distribution

Region
Eastern Pacific
Distribution
Eastern Pacific: Prince William Sound, Gulf of Alaska to Long Beach, southern California, USA. Reports from the western Pacific are misidentifications of Hypomesus japonicus.
Range
57°N - 34°N

Environment

Climate
Temperate
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
benthopelagic
Environment
Marine; brackish; benthopelagic
Trophic Level
Unknown
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
True
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
30.5 cm
Common Length
15.0 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
Unknown

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes
Vulnerability
Unknown
Resilience
Unknown
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Not Evaluated