Capelin

Capelin-iceland

Puffin with capelin

Time series for global capture of capelin

Capelin (Mallotus villosus) is a small forage fish of the smelt family found in the Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean. Often described as a key species in marine ecosystems, capelin play a crucial role in the diet of larger predators and are a vital part of the marine food web.

Description

Capelin are slender, silvery fish that can reach up to 25 cm in length, but are more commonly found at lengths of 15-20 cm. They have a distinctive small mouth and a single dorsal fin located midway down their body. Capelin are well known for their large, iridescent scales which cover their bodies.

Distribution and Habitat

Capelin inhabit cold-water regions of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. They are pelagic, meaning they live in the open sea but close to the ocean surface. Capelin migrate towards coastal areas to spawn, a behavior that is crucial for their survival and reproduction. Their preferred habitats include areas with gravelly or sandy bottoms where they can lay their eggs.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of capelin is closely tied to their spawning behavior. They are semelparous, meaning they die after spawning once. Spawning typically occurs from late spring to early summer. Females can lay up to 60,000 eggs, which they deposit on the ocean floor. After spawning, the adult capelin die, and the new generation begins its life cycle.

Diet

Capelin primarily feed on plankton, small crustaceans, and fish larvae. Their diet makes them a crucial link in the marine food chain, transferring energy from lower trophic levels to larger predators.

Economic Importance

Capelin have significant economic value, particularly in Iceland, Norway, and parts of Canada, where they are harvested commercially. They are used for human consumption, as bait in fisheries, and as a source of fishmeal and oil. The capelin fishery is subject to strict regulations to ensure sustainability, given their importance to the marine ecosystem and larger fish species such as cod.

Conservation

While capelin populations are currently considered stable, they are susceptible to changes in environmental conditions, particularly global warming and overfishing. Efforts to monitor and manage capelin fisheries are crucial to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems where they play a pivotal role.

See Also

• Marine biology
• Fisheries science
• Ecosystem-based management

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