Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus)

Latin name

Thaleichthys pacificus

Other names

Сandlefish, hooligan; French: eulachon, eulakane.

Identification

The eulachon is a small, slender fish, with a spiny fat fin just in front of the tail. Its lower jaw protrudes slightly beyond the tip of its snout. Its coloration is bluish-black on the back, turning to silvery-white on the belly. Their larger size helps distinguish the eulachon from its relatives.

Distribution

This fish is common throughout cool northern Pacific waters, with a range from west of St. Matthews Island and Kuskokwim Bay in the Bering Sea, and Bowers Bank in the Aleutian Islands to Monterey Bay in California.

Habitat

This fish is found near shores, in coastal bays and rivers. It spends its life in the sea before spawning.

Size

The eulachon can reach up to 12 inches. It generally lives 2 to 3 years.

Life history and Behavior

Eulachon spawn from March to May and enter freshwater tributaries from Northern California to the Bering Sea. They become sexually mature at the age of 2-3 years and die after spawning.

Food and feeding habits

The eulachon feeds on planktonic crustaceans.

Reproduction

No information