Higher classification Osmeriformes | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Salangidae Rank Family | |
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Similar Whitebait, Odorigui, Hypomesus nipponensis, Silver‑stripe round herring, Largehead hairtail | ||
Icefishes or noodlefishes are a family, the Salangidae, of osmeriform fish, related to the smelts. They are found in freshwater environments in East and Southeast Asia, although a few species are anadromous (e.g., Salangichthys microdon), spending most of their lives in coastal waters, and only visiting fresh water to spawn.
They have translucent or transparent bodies, and lack any scales. The head is strongly depressed and has numerous teeth. The adults are believed to be neotenic, retaining some larval features. For example, the skeleton is not fully ossified, consisting largely of cartilage. They are small fish, typically around 8 cm (3.1 in), with the largest species reaching only 16 cm (6.3 in).
Icefish is eaten in East Asia after being dried or cooked.
