Whitebaits are young fish which applies to young herring in Europe. It is tender and edible and usually eaten including the head. It measure 25 - 50 mm in length and about 3 mm in cross section
This juvenile fish has been a special delicacy in West Coast rivers like the Waiau in late September when the water is warm and at full moon. It taste subtle and slightly sweet cause these mini fishes spent there life part in fresh waters and part in the sea.