Atherinomorus
Atherinomorus is a genus of fishes in the family Atherinidae, commonly known as silverfish or hardyheads. They are small, slender fish with a silvery body and a dark stripe along the side. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, typically inhabiting coastal waters, estuaries, and lagoons.
Common Names
Members of this genus are commonly referred to as:
- Silverfish
- Hardyheads
Characteristics
Atherinomorus species share several characteristic features, including:
- Elongated, slender body
- Silvery scales
- A dark stripe along the side of the body
- Small mouth
- Two dorsal fins, the first with 4-6 spines
- Anal fin with 1 spine and 18-24 soft rays
Environments
These fish prefer coastal environments, including:
- Estuaries
- Lagoons
- Mangrove swamps
- Seagrass beds
They are often found in schools and feed primarily on plankton and small invertebrates.