Giselle Veve
WFB 232 Ichthyology
Atheriniformes (Greek atherine-, ‘smelt-like’)
Taxonomy:
Superclass Gnathostomata
Class Actinopterygii-ray finned fishes
Order Atheriniformes-silversides
7 Families: Atherinidae (silversides), Dentatherinidae, Melanotaeniidae (rainbowfish),
Pseudomugilidae (blue-eyes), Telmatherinidae (snail-fin silversides), Phallostethidae (priaprium fishes),
and Notocheiridae (surf silversides).
61 genera, ~285 species
Description: They are characterized by two dorsal fins, the first weak but composed of true spine. Their
pelvic fins are small and subthoracic in silversides, while in an anterior position if present in priaprium
fish. If scales are present they are usually cycloid. If present these fishes have a very faint lateral line.
Habitat: Shallow coastal seas around the world, along with freshwater species who most live in
estuarine. Worldwide tropical and temperate marine and freshwaters.
Distribution: Americas, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, New Guinea, Asia, temperate and tropical waters
Ecology and life history: Atheriniformes are omnivorous, feeding on plankton along with invertebrates,
zooplankton and algae. These are typically schooling fishes and scatter their eggs, either by clinging to
the substrate or bottom, or clinging to plants growing on a substrate. This allows them to restrain from
floating.
Additional details: Most of rainbowfish and silversides are not eaten by humans although saltwater
silversides play an important role in commercial fishing. They are typically used as bait or pet food, and
have been prized for pet stores.
(silverside)
References used:
Paxton, J. R. and W. N. Eshmeyer. 1998. Encyclopedia of fishes 2nd ed. Academic Press.
Nelson, J. S. 1994. Fishes of the World. 3rd. ed. Wiley and Sons, New York.
Paxton, J. R. and W. N. Eschmeyer. 1998. Encyclopedia of fishes 2nd ed. Academic Press.
Bond, C. E. 1996. Biology of Fishes, 2nd. ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth
"Rainbowfishes and Silversides: Atheriniformes - Rainbowfishes, Silversides, And People." - Aquarium,
Fished, Pet, and Food. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Feb. 2013.