Atherina

Common Names

Atherina species are commonly known as silversides or smelts. Some specific species have additional names like "European sand smelt" for Atherina boyeri and "Mediterranean sand smelt" for Atherina hepsetus. These names reflect their silvery appearance and resemblance to true smelts (family Osmeridae).

Characteristics

Atherina species exhibit several distinguishing features, including:

• Elongated, slender body: Their body shape is streamlined, allowing for swift swimming.
• Slightly compressed head: Their head is flattened laterally.
• Small mouth: The mouth is positioned at the front of the head and is small in size.
• Silvery scales: Atherina species have scales that reflect light, giving them a silvery appearance.
• Dark stripe along flanks: A noticeable dark stripe runs along their sides.

Environment

Atherina species prefer shallow, coastal waters with sandy or muddy bottoms. They are commonly found in estuaries, lagoons, and bays, where they can tolerate fluctuating salinity levels. These fish are generally schooling species, congregating in large numbers.

Diet

Atherina species are primarily planktivorous, feeding on small crustaceans, algae, and other plankton in the water column. Their diet can vary depending on the availability of prey in their habitat.

Reproduction

Atherina species are oviparous, meaning they reproduce by laying eggs. Females typically lay eggs in shallow, sheltered waters, often attached to aquatic plants. The eggs are small and transparent, and they hatch within a few days. The fry then develop rapidly, growing to maturity within a few months.

References

For more detailed information, please refer to the following resources:

• FishBase
• World Register of Marine Species