Modern data on the biology of the Pacific rainbow smelt Osmerus dentex (Osmeridae) of the estuarine zone of the Nyukhcha River, Onega Bay of the White Sea

V.S. Sherstkov

Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS, 2023, 327(1): 123–127 · https://doi.org/10.31610/trudyzin/2023.327.1.123

Full text

Abstract

Pacific rainbow smelt Osmerus dentex Steindachner et Kner, 1870 is ubiquitous in the coastal areas of the White Sea, found mainly in desalinated bays. This is a semi-anadromous pelagic species. The paper presents biological data on the Pacific rainbow smelt from the estuarine part of the Nyukhcha River, collected in the period from 2004 to 2018. In the study area, its maximum length (according to Smitt) is 35.3 cm, weight is 398 g, the maximum recorded age is 10 years. It reaches maturity at the age of three years, less often in the second year of life. Spawning occurs mainly in May, less often in late April and early June. Eggs are laid on the bottom; average absolute fertility is 46.5 thousand eggs. It feeds mainly on crustaceans and small fish.

Key words

Pacific rainbow smelt, White Sea, age, length, weight, Osmerus dentex, Nyhcha River, Onega Bay

Submitted October 15, 2022 · Accepted December 28, 2022 · Published March 25, 2023

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