DSC_0144 Common smelt, or paraki (Retropinna retropinna) common in large roaving shoals in estuaries and gently flowing lowland rivers. Has a violet sheen, brilliant shimmering silver belly, and a distinct cucumber-like odour. Clutha River *
DSC_9734 Stokell's smelt (Stokellia anisodon) range restricted, but abundant in large roaving shoals in spring and summer when it comes in from the sea to spawn in the large Canterbury braided rivers from Waiau to the Waitaki, as well as on the Chathams. Has a bluish sheen, brilliant shimmering silver belly, and a distinct cucumber-like odour. Rakaia Rivermouth *
DSC_9953 Stokell's smelt (Stokellia anisodon) range restricted, but abundant in large roaving shoals in spring and summer when it comes in from the sea to spawn in the large Canterbury braided rivers from Waiau to the Waitaki, as well as on the Chathams. Has a bluish sheen, brilliant shimmering silver belly, and a distinct cucumber-like odour. Rakaia Rivermouth *