DSC_9751 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_7963 Gerald Stokell (1890-1972) was a Canterbury amateur ichthyologist. In 1941 Stokell's smelt, (Stokellia anisodon), was named after him, but he also described ten other of c. 34 native fish. He lived most of his life at Prebbleton, and is buried at the Broadfields–Shands Road cemetery. His headstone, (slightly off-kilter after the Christchurch earthquakes!) features an engraving of an Upland Bully. Christchurch *
11004-05015 Inanga (Galaxias maculatus) a small widespread galaxiid fish found at lower elevations and near coast. Most important species in whitebait fishery *
