Aquatic insects form the bulk of its diet. Small crustaceans and zooplankton supplement intake. It feeds on drifting prey caught in current or picked from vegetation surfaces in slow-flowing water. Stokell's smelt is a small translucent fish that lives in lowland streams and estuaries throughout New Zealand. It reaches about 100 millimetres in length, with a slender body adapted to slow-moving water. The fish is semi-transparent, making it difficult to spot against muddy or sandy bottoms. Large eyes help it detect predators in murky conditions. The species inhabits lowland streams and estuaries where water flows slowly through pastoral land or native bush. Submerged vegetation provides cover from predators and spawning sites during spring months. Without this vegetation, the fish becomes visible to everything that hunts it. The habitat is shrinking as wetlands are drained and streams are modified for agriculture. Spawning occurs in spring and summer. Eggs are laid amongst fine roots and submerged vegetation in shallow water. The larvae hatch and remain in freshwater or brackish estuarine environments, never migrating far offshore. This limited dispersal means the species is entirely dependent on maintaining suitable lowland habitat year-round. Classified as Not Threatened, Stokell's smelt remains widespread throughout New Zealand. Populations are stable in suitable habitat. However the species is sensitive to habitat degradation. When streams are drained or vegetation removed, populations decline rapidly. Its presence signals intact riparian zones and suitable water quality. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining lowland wetlands and maintaining riparian vegetation to keep streams cool and clear.