Thaleichthys

Thaleichthys is a genus of fish belonging to the family Osmeridae, commonly known as smelts. The genus currently contains only one recognized species, Thaleichthys pacificus, also known as the eulachon or candlefish. This anadromous fish is found in the Pacific Ocean and its tributaries along the North American coast, from Northern California to Alaska. Eulachons are small, slender fish, typically growing up to 15-20 centimeters in length. They are characterized by their silvery coloration, small scales, and a forked tail fin.

The eulachon plays a significant ecological role in its habitat, serving as a food source for various marine mammals, birds, and other fish. They undertake important spawning migrations up rivers during the spring, where they spawn in freshwater. Historically, eulachons were a crucial resource for Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, providing a vital source of food, oil, and trade. The high oil content of their flesh makes them easy to dry and preserve, and they were often referred to as "candlefish" because a dried eulachon could be burned as a torch. Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to significant declines in eulachon populations in some areas, prompting conservation concerns and efforts.