Atherinopsidae (Neotropical silversides), subfamily: Menidiinae |
15 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 2 years |
pelagic-neritic; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m |
Western Atlantic: Massachusetts to southern Florida in USA and around Gulf of Mexico to northeastern Mexico. |
Anal soft rays: 16-19; Vertebrae: 38-42 |
A brackish/marine species that ascends rivers (Ref. 86798). In fresh water, usually occurs at the surface of clear, quiet water over sand or gravel. Some landlocked populations, many of which have been established in impoundments as forage for sport fishes, reproduce in fresh water (Ref. 5723). Feeds on zooplankton (Ref. 10294), invertebrates, fish eggs and larvae and diatoms (Ref. 93252). |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
harmless |
Type locality: Potomac River, Washington D.C. (Ref. 79012). From Massachusetts to Rio Grande drainage in Texas and southeastern New Mexico; north in Mississippi River and major tributaries (mainly Arkansas and Red rivers) to southern Illinois and eastern Oklahoma (Ref 5723). Also Ref. 27549, 93252. |
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