Topsmelt

Overview

Species Common Name Topsmelt
Species Scientific Name Atherinops affinis

Ecoregions

Nearshore

The Nearshore ecoregion includes a variety of habitats ranging from submerged high-relief rocky reefs to broad expanses of intertidal mudflats in estuaries and hosts a vast array of fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, birds, plants, and micro-organisms. This ecoregion encompasses the area from the outer boundary of Oregon’s Territorial Sea to the supra-tidal zone, and up into the estuaries.

Special needs

Specialized spawning habitat in shallow waters with vegetation for eggs to adhere to.

Limiting factors

Vulnerable spawning habitat.

Data gaps

Migratory patterns.

Conservation actions

Federal and state forage fish fishery management plan.

Key reference or plan

Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 1: Protecting Unfished and Unmanaged Forage Fish Species

Life History Traits