Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic argentine (Argentina silus) is a saltwater fish of the family Argentinidae that grows up to 70 cm.
North Atlantic on both sides, on and along the continental shelf and slope in cool, deep water.
Description
The greater argentine is a slender, salmon-like deep-water fish of the family Argentinidae reaching about 70 cm. The elongate body is bright silver with a yellow-brown back, large eyes, a small mouth and an adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins. The species lives in schools close to the bottom on and along the continental shelf and slope of the northern Atlantic, in cool, deep water between about 100 and more than 1000 metres. It feeds on small zooplankton, arrow worms and small fish. The greater argentine is long-lived and fished to a limited extent; its silvery scales and swim bladder were once used to make artificial pearls. The white flesh is edible but little sought after.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic argentine?
The Atlantic argentine has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver-coloured deep-water fish with large eyes, a small mouth and an adipose fin; known for the silver sheen of the swim bladder and scales.
Where does the Atlantic argentine live?
The Atlantic argentine lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North Atlantic on both sides, on and along the continental shelf and slope in cool, deep water.
How big does the Atlantic argentine get?
The Atlantic argentine grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.
Is the Atlantic argentine dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic argentine is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic argentine edible?
The Atlantic argentine is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Atlantic argentine and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Argentina
More from the family Argentinidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic argentine?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic argentine is one of 12,519 species in the app.