Eulachon

What it looks like

The eulachon is a small bluish-silver fish approximately 22.9 cm long. The eulachon is also known as the "candle fish" because it is so oily it can be burned like a candle.

What it was used for

Tsamdak is the term for smoked eulachons and wayu'tan is the term for half-smoked eulachons. Half-smoked eulachons are smoked for one or two days and have to be eaten right away. They won't keep like tsamdak. The eulachon was an important food source because the run came during late March or early April, when other preserved food sources eaten during the winter were depleted. Eulachons are also processed to extract their oil, or grease. This oil is edible and may be eaten with a variety of traditional foods.