According of Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability the current status of Pacific rainbow smelt - "Valid as Osmerus dentex".
http://researcharchive.calacademy.org/research/ichthyology/catalog/fishcatget.asp?spid=10344
But Russian genetics consider it as a valid subspecies (Osmerus mordax dentex).
DOI: 10.1134/S1022795411080102
DOI: 10.1007/s13258-013-0099-z
What do you think about its status?
In the Catalog of Fishes online, indeed we treat Osmerus dentex Steindachner & Kner 1870 as a valid species:
http://researcharchive.calacademy.org/research/ichthyology/catalog/fishcatmain.asp
We follow several international researchers and revisions, including Bogutskaya & Naseka 2004:128 [ref. 28183], Bogutskaya et al. 2008:343 [ref. 30085], and the Russian fish catalogue of Parin et al. 2014:116 [ref. 33547].
I would generally suggest not to use subspecies, as they usually cause confusion, especially when it comes to conservation issues. If valid, I would advise to raise to the species level.
ITIS lists Osmerus mordax dentes as valid subspecies on the basis of the Catalog of fishes. They also cite the NODC Taxonomic Code.
But when you take into conservation issues, I agree with Ronald Fricke, it is better to go with the GENUS & SPECIES, rather than with the SUBSPECIES, names.
Since the question asked is if Osmerus mordax dentes is a subspecies?
Osmerus mordax (Mitchill, 1814) is the species that represents Rainbow smelt fish. The two known subspecies are: Osmerus mordax mordax (Mitchill, 1814) & Osmerus mordax dentex Steindachner & Kner, 1870.
Fishbase.org also lists as a valid species. It seems the basis for the elevation to species is entirely genetic. A direct comparison including genes, morphometrics, meristics, and life history from across the geographic range under the Evolutionary Species Concept would be informative.
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