Fin's Fish Guide
The Brazilian silverside (Atherinella brasiliensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Atherinopsidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The Brazilian silverside is a silverside (Atherinopsidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species is slender and silvery with a shiny silver lengthwise band. It lives over soft bottoms in brackish and hypersaline coastal lagoons and protected parts of the coast, and forms large schools. At and near the surface it feeds on small zooplankton, small invertebrates and algae. It is an important prey fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brazilian silverside?
The Brazilian silverside has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Glossy silvery longitudinal band; small schooling fish of brackish and hypersaline coastal lagoons.
Where does the Brazilian silverside live?
The Brazilian silverside lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Western Atlantic; brackish and hypersaline coastal lagoons.
How big does the Brazilian silverside get?
The Brazilian silverside grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Brazilian silverside dangerous to humans?
No, the Brazilian silverside is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brazilian silverside edible?
The Brazilian silverside is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Brazilian silverside?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Atherinella
More from the family Atherinopsidae
Want the complete picture on the Brazilian silverside?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brazilian silverside is one of 12,519 species in the app.