Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Atherinopsidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Western Atlantic along the east coast of North America, in shallow coastal water, bays, estuaries and salt marshes; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The Atlantic silverside is a slender, semi-transparent fish of the family Atherinopsidae reaching about 15 cm. A conspicuous, shiny silver band runs along the side; the back is greenish and the body has two small, separate dorsal fins. The species forms large schools in shallow coastal water, bays, estuaries and salt marshes along the east coast of North America and tolerates brackish water. It eats zooplankton, small crustaceans, worms and insects. Notably, water temperature during development determines the sex of the young. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish and a much-used model animal in research.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic silverside?
The Atlantic silverside has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, translucent small fish with a shiny silver longitudinal band; the sex of the juveniles depends on the water temperature.
Where does the Atlantic silverside live?
The Atlantic silverside lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic along the east coast of North America, in shallow coastal water, bays, estuaries and salt marshes; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Atlantic silverside get?
The Atlantic silverside grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Atlantic silverside dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic silverside is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic silverside edible?
The Atlantic silverside is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic silverside?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic silverside is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Menidia
More from the family Atherinopsidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic silverside?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic silverside is one of 12,519 species in the app.