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Did you know that the famous, noble salmon family of predators has a species called the candlefish? Probably only those who have taken or are taking fishing trips to the Putorana Plateau Nature Reserve will unmistakably answer that they do.
However, not every fisherman knows why this predatory creature was given this name. Moreover, they can't tell what kind of relative of the taimen or grayling it is or where it lives. In our publication, we'll answer all your questions and explain that the name "candlefish" isn't limited to just one salmonid.
Salmon candle
When fishing, especially on rafting trips in taiga rivers, modern anglers and hunters don't have much trouble with lighting. There are now a variety of aids and gadgets that can make this favorite hobby simple and easy.
But the Native Americans who lived on the Pacific coast in ancient times used a relative of the predatory salmon for lighting. Its full name is Thaleichthys pacificus, or scientifically, Thaleichthys pacificus.
Why a candle, and how many other fish have a similar name?
Several different species of fish bear the name "candlefish." Besides the salmon-like Pacific thale fish, the following species can also be considered candlefish:
- Sablefish, also known as black sablefish by the British.
- The sand eel is a lamprey larva that fishermen use as bait when catching predatory fish such as pike perch, pike, and perch.
These fish, called candlefish, got their name from their very oily texture, which makes them suitable for use as a light source when dried. Some anglers even light these predators without using a wick.
Disadvantages of the Pacific candlefish
The only drawback of these predators is that it's impossible to fry them or make a unique delicacy, such as smoked salmon, while on the shore or while floating. Taleiht is so fatty that when brought near an open flame, it ignites like a match and burns like a candle, illuminating everything around it with its flame.
Advantages
A distinct advantage of this small Pacific Ocean fish is that no wick is required after lighting. Furthermore, the predatory fish produces no smoke and burns for a very long time. Considering that thaleichthys grow to just over 20 centimeters and resemble smelt in appearance, this excellent, long-lasting illumination, whether in a tent or on the shore, is a definite advantage.
Instead of an epilogue
It's also worth noting that the Pacific thale fish, also known as eulachon or simply candlefish, has excellent flavor. If you can't fry this predator, it goes well with beer, dried or salted.
When visiting the Putorana Plateau's trophy salmon fishing tours, you can indulge in a variety of delicacies while rafting. For example, you can prepare delicious salads, chebureki, and pelmeni with your trophy catches of lenok, grayling, or whitefish. You'll also learn a multitude of useful fishing life hacks.
