Family Atherinidae - Silversides
Order |
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Class |
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Teleostei |
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No. of Genera in Ref |
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25 |
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No. of Species in Ref |
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165 |
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Environment |
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Fresh : Yes |
Brackish : Yes |
Marine : Yes |
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Aquarium |
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some |
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First Fossil Record |
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lower
Tertiary
lower
Eocene |
Ref.. Berg, L.S. 1958 | |
Remark |
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Silversides are distributed from tropical to temperate waters. Two widely separated dorsal fins, the first with flexible spines and the second with one spine followed by soft rays; anal fin with one spine followed by soft rays; pectoral fins high on body; mouth small and terminal; no lateral line; broad silvery lateral band (black in preserved specimens); pelvic fins usually abdominal; scales relatively large (usually 31-50 in lateral series, more in Labidesthes); vertebrae 32-60 (fewer in Stenatherina). Reported maximum length 60 cm. Most species are marine. However, there are about 50 species confined to freshwater and others that enter freshwater. Feed on zooplankton. |
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Etymology |
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Greek, atherina, the Greek name for the eperlane; 1770 |
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Division |
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Marine |
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Reproductive guild |
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nonguarders |
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Typical activity level |
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normal |
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Main Ref |
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Coordinator |
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