Capelin is a small pelagic fish that can occur in large quantities. It grazes from Svalbard and eastward in the Barents Sea. The male has a stripe of scales along the sides with small hair-like extensions, called fax-capelin, while the female, lacking this stripe, is called silk-capelin. This is an Arctic fish that for most of the year roams the Arctic Ocean, where it feeds on small crustaceans. In winter and spring, it seeks in large numbers towards the Finnmark and Murmansk coast to spawn.

Usage: In Japan, capelin is popular because the roe is considered a delicacy. In Norway, capelin is used for meal and oil.

Fishing gear: Purse seine and trawl.

Nutritional content: Capelin is nutritious and contains a good amount of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also a source of vitamin D and B vitamins, as well as minerals such as selenium and iodine.