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Photo credit: University of Oregon. |
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Eulachon are anadromous, migrating from the ocean to spawn in fresh water. They usually spawn only once and then die (called semelparity) but some individuals can be iteroparous and return for at least one additional spawning season. Adult coloration is brown to blue on back and on the top of the head, with the sides lighter to silvery white, and the ventral surface (the underside) is white. The fish change to a gray-brown around spawning time. They have fine, sparse speckling that is restricted to the back. A fleshy adipose fin found between the dorsal fin and the tail (like salmon) is sickle-shaped. They are distinguished by large canine teeth on the vomer (in upper part of mouth) bone (although this is lost as the fish reaches spawning time) and 18 to 23 rays in the anal fin.
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| Learn More... |
- Conservation Notes: This section includes information on threats to this species, its importance to humans and estuaries and how you can help to protect this species
- Profile: This section includes biological and life history information such as the species description, relatives, size/weight, diet, reproduction information, habitat and range.
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Did you know? The name eulachon is derived from the Chinook Indian language name for this fish. |
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Type: Fish |
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Diet: Plankton |
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Average lifespan in the wild: 5 years |
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Size: 13 inches (33 cm) maximum |
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Weight: 5 lbs (2.3 kg) maximum |
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Found in the following Estuarine Reserves: Kachemak Bay (AK), Padilla Bay (WA), South Slough (OR), San Francisco (CA), Elkhorn Slough (CA) |
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Water quality factors needed for survival: Find details about water temperature, turbidity, water flow, salinity, dissolved oxygen at this link. |
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Threats: |
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- Excessive historic fishing
- Bycatch
- Habitat loss and degradation
- Dams and other impediments
- Pollution
- Climate Change
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Click map for larger image |
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