Fin's Fish Guide
The Australian argentine (Argentina australiae) is a saltwater fish of the family Argentinidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The Australian argentine is a herring smelt (Argentinidae) from deeper coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a slender, elongate, bright-silvery body with large eyes, a small mouth and an adipose fin. As a schooling, bottom-oriented fish it swims over sand and mud bottoms and eats small zooplankton, worms and small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Australian argentine?
The Australian argentine has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Australian argentine live?
The Australian argentine lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia
How big does the Australian argentine get?
The Australian argentine grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Australian argentine dangerous to humans?
No, the Australian argentine is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
More photos
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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 Australian argentine?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Australian argentine is one of 12,519 species in the app.