THE SMELTS AND THEIR KINDRED. 509 
the eastern one, having much smaller teeth and a weaker frame, and also 
spawning in the sea and not ascending the rivers. Its flesh is said to be 
of “excellent flavor, but soft and not keeping well.” It is not of great 
SMALL-TOOTHED SMELT. 
economical importance, and is completely thrown into the shade by another 
fish called Smelt (Atherinopsis californiensis), but which is very widely differ- 
ent and really a Silversides of the family of Atherinids. 
RAINBOW SMELT OR HERRING, 
The Alaska Smelt, or “ Rainbow Herring,” is structurally much more like 
the Eastern Smelt, but its longer jaws as well as brilliant coloration dis- 
tinguish it. Its flesh is excellent and firmer than that of other species 
of the genus, and it has long formed an important item in the support of 
the natives. With the increasing population of Alaska it must rise in 
importance. 
Nearly related to the true Smelts is the Eulachon, or Oulachon (Thaleich- 
thys pacificus), also called Candlefish. It differs from the Smelts by the 
