Topsmelt
Pejerrey Pescadillo, Pejerrey
(Atherinops affinis)

Topsmelt, Atherinops affinis: The Topsmelt has a compressed head and body that are green on top, a silver stripe along the flank, and silver coloration on the sides and bottom.

The head of the Topsmelt has small eyes and a short snout with an elongated mouth and top lip folded down. The pelvic fins are long, reaching the pelvic fin origins, and the gill covers are bright yellow in color.

Three keys to identification of the Topsmelt are that the anal fin commences directly under the end of the first dorsal fin, the distance between the two dorsal fins is small, and there is a series of small yellow spots on the sides below the first and second dorsal fins, as pictured here.

The Topsmelt is a schooling, surface fish that reaches a maximum length of 14 inches and is normally found in the first 30 feet of the water column around rocky reefs, kelp beds, sandy beaches, and piers.

The Topsmelt can tolerate great changes in the salinity of the water, existing in environments ranging from fresh water to water with three times the salt content of normal sea water, as in the salt flats of San Francisco Bay.

It is an active day feeder, primarily eating algae, and is quiet at night.

The Topsmelt can be easily confused with the Jacksmelt, Atherinopsis californiensis (larger in size, larger gap between the dorsal fins, and the anal fin originates well behind the end of the first dorsal fin).

Distribution in Mexico fishing areas

In Mexican fishing waters, the Topsmelt is found all along the Pacific coast of Baja California and in the upper two-thirds of the Sea of Cortez. It is absent from along the coast of the Mexican mainland and around the oceanic islands.

In California the Topsmelt is a major catch off the piers and the major catch of those under age 10. It is also a targeted commercial species deemed to be of great food value and was a staple of early Native Americans.

The Topsmelt is a member of the Atherinidae Family and of the Atherinops Genus, which are the Silversides. Globally there is only one member of the Atherinops Genus: this species. The Silverside are small, schooling fish found inshore or over reefs. They are characterized by having two dorsal fins, the first of which has only 6 slender spines, long pectoral fins that are high on the body, pelvic fins with one spine, and 5 rays that are on the abdomen, no lateral line and a broad silver stripe down the side. They provide an excellent food source for birds, fish, and marine mammals.

Topsmelt Photo 1

Topsmelt, Atherinops affinis: Caught while fishing off the Municipal Pier, Oceanside, Calif., May 2006, water temperature 60 degrees, on a Sabiki Rig, size 4 hooks. Size, approximately 6 inches. Note: the yellow marking, mid-body below the first and second dorsal fins, are unusual. Discussions with John Hyde, NOAA, suggest that these may appear during spawning or may simply be a chromatic abnormality. DESCRIPTION AND PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN SNOW.

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