Eulachon

The eulachon is anadromous, ascending freshwater streams in the spring, when it is adult, to spawn. Average length is 20 cm (8"), but specimens nearly twice as long have been taken. The flesh makes fine eating. It is rich in oil, so much so that the fish used to be dried and fitted with wicks to serve as candles; hence an alternative name, candlefish. Smoked eulachon, golden-brown in colour and of excellent flavour, are a delicacy.