Waters:Northern Atlantic and Pacific Waters (during spawning season smelt migrate to fresh Waters) Description (in water): This slender, nearly translucent silver-green fish averages 6 to 8 inches in length and weighs less than half a pound. Description (in market): The off-white flesh of the smelt is soft and oily with a mild, delicate flavor. The bones are soft and edible (they soften more when cooked). ... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/visitor-contributions.php
Spar'ling noun [ Akin to German spierling , spiering , Dutch spiering : confer French éperlan .] (Zoology) (a) The European smelt ( Osmerus eperlanus ). (b) A young salmon. (c) A tern. [ Scot. & Prov. Eng.] Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/S/155