Capelin

Capelin (Mallotus villosus), the only species of a genus belonging to the salmon family, and nearly related to the smelt. It is one of the smallest members of the family, lives on the sea-bottom off the northern coasts of the Atlantic, comes to the surface to spawn, and furnishes one of the most important parts of the cod's food in northern regions. Vast shoals occur periodically off Newfoundland, and are much used as bait in the cod-fishery. The capelin is eaten fresh in Iceland, and is sometimes imported in dried form into Britain. The flavour is pleasant, and suggests affinity with herring rather than with salmon.