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Surf Smelt, Hypomesus pretiosus

 

 


 

 

 

Appearance and Identification:

 

·               Small silvery fish, adipose fin present

·               Jaw teeth present, axillary process absent

·               Fin rays: anal 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life History:

 

 

 

 

Surf smelt are primarily a marine species that is occasionally found in estuaries.  They are capable of surviving in water with a salinity as low as 4 ppt.  Surf smelt provide an important commercial and sport fishery in California.

 


Links to Other Research

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's a list of California watersheds where Surf Smelt may be found.


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