candlefish

[ kan-dl-fish ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) can·dle·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) can·dle·fish·es.

1. Also called eulachon. a small, edible, smeltlike fish, Thaleichthys pacificus, of northwestern coastal waters of North America, being so oily that when dried it can be used as a candle.
2. sablefish.

candlefish

/ ˈkændəlˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. a salmonoid food fish, Thaleichthys pacificus, that occurs in the N Pacific and has oily flesh Also calledeulachon

Word History and Origins

Origin of candlefish¹

First recorded in 1880–85; candle + fish

Example Sentences

Perhaps the smell of candlefish fat, ubiquitous in later Northwest Coast Indian cookery, even then hovered over the first visitors’ fires.

From Literature

Best action is right on the sandy bottom where fish are feeding on candlefish between the Caves and Eagle Bay, and off the Slip Point Buoy to Mussolini Rock.

From Seattle Times

“For us, it’s one of the most highly prized commodities that we have,” he said, pulling one of the glistening candlefish off the rack.

From The Guardian

On any given season the fishing could better in one area from another because baitfish schools are constantly moving around in Puget Sound, and the salmon hunting for them will go to where the majority of herring, smelt or candlefish reside.

From Seattle Times

On any given season the fishing could better in one area from another because baitfish schools are constantly moving around in Puget Sound, and the salmon hunting for them will go to where the majority of herring, smelt or candlefish reside.

From Seattle Times