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Osmerus eperlanus, or European Smelt
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Osmerus eperlanus, or European Smelt
Osmerus eperlanus, or European Smelt, of the Osmeridae family. Date: 1865
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14229470
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1865 Fishes Smelt Species 1860s
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image, dated 1865, showcases the exquisite beauty of the European Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus), a small, silver-scaled fish native to the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. A member of the Osmeridae family, the European Smelt is an essential component of the marine ecosystem and has been a subject of fascination for naturalists and scientists for centuries. The European Smelt is a pelagic fish, meaning it lives in the open water column, and is anadromous, meaning it spends most of its life in the sea but returns to freshwater to spawn. This fish is characterized by its elongated, slender body, which can grow up to 30 centimeters in length, and its distinctive, golden-green coloration. The European Smelt was a popular subject of study during the Victorian era, a time when the natural world was being explored and documented with great enthusiasm. This print, produced in the 1860s, is a testament to the fascination and appreciation for the natural world that characterized the era. The intricate details of the fish's scales and fins are beautifully rendered, highlighting the artist's skill and attention to detail. The European Smelt plays a vital role in the food chain, serving as both predator and prey. Its small size and delicate structure make it a favorite food source for larger fish and marine mammals, while its agility and speed make it an effective predator of plankton and other small organisms. Today, the European Smelt continues to be an important species in the marine ecosystem, and efforts are being made to protect it from overfishing and other threats. This stunning print serves as a reminder of the beauty and importance of the natural world and the role that small, seemingly insignificant creatures play in the larger ecosystem.
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