Atherion africanum Smith, 1965
Pricklenose silverside
Atherion africanum
photo by FAO

Family:  Atherionidae (Pricklenose silversides)
Max. size:  5.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: India to Natal, South Africa (Ref. 4125).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 16-17. Translucent and blue-green in color; pigmentation on head and body variable (Ref. 4125).
Biology:  Usually caught offshore in depths of less than 2 m. Used as food for larger commercial species and possibly as bait.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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