Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Rank Family | Scientific name Atherinidae Higher classification Atheriniformes Order Atheriniformes | |
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Lower classifications Atherina, Hardyhead silverside, Atherinomorus, Hypoatherina | ||
The Old World silversides are a family, Atherinidae, of fish in the order Atheriniformes. They occur worldwide in tropical and temperate waters. About two-thirds of the species are marine, and the remainder live in fresh water. The 74 species are in 13 genera. The genus Craterocephalus is the most diverse with 25 species. Four genera are monotypic.
Silversides are relatively small, with the largest species, the jacksmelt, Atherinopsis californiensis, reaching 44 cm (17 in), while most are under 20 cm (7.9 in), and several are not recorded at more than 5 cm (2.0 in). The body is generally elongated. Distinctive characters include two dorsal fins widely separated, with the first consisting of flexible spines and the second having one spine followed by soft rays, while the anal fin has one spine on the leading edge followed by soft rays. The pectoral fins tend to be high, and there is no lateral line. On the flanks is a broad, silvery band. The scales are relatively large.
They feed on zooplankton. Some species, such as the hardyhead silverside, Atherinomorus lacunosus, are commercially fished.
The family Atherinopsidae (Neotropical silversides) is closely related.