Capelin

Capelin (Mallotus villosus) is a small schooling fish of the smelt family found in the cold waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, and North Pacific. It is one of the most important forage fish in northern marine ecosystems, a critical food source for cod, seabirds, and whales. Commercially, capelin is fished primarily for its roe: female capelin roe (masago) is a staple ingredient in sushi. Whole capelin is also eaten smoked and dried in Iceland and Newfoundland, and tinned capelin appears in small volumes from Icelandic and Latvian producers. Royal Iceland and Triton are among the Icelandic producers handling capelin roe products.