Common smelt
The small shimmering silver fish occur in large shoals in estuaries and lowland rivers. They spend most of their lives at sea. Some return to freshwater as juveniles in spring but most return as adults in summer when they are about 10 cm long. They can also be found in some lakes.
New Zealand's native freshwater fish factsheet (PDF, 195K)
New Zealand large galaxiid recovery plan (PDF, 980K)
New Zealand non-migratory galaxiid fishes recovery plan (PDF, 162K)
Find out about the biology of whitebait and whitebait identification
Journey Up the CreekThis stimulating and easy-to-use bilingual website for students follows Dion, Rick, and Ani on a trip up the creek as they learn how fresh water supports life.
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlifeWhale or dolphin strandings
