Fin's Fish Guide
The Cape silverside (Atherina breviceps) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Atherinidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The Cape silverside is a silverside (Atherinidae) from shallow coastal, brackish or fresh water of coastal and estuarine water of southern Africa. The species has a slender, semi-translucent, silvery body with a shiny silver flank band and large eyes. As a schooling fish it swims in large groups near the surface and snaps at small zooplankton and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cape silverside?
The Cape silverside has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Cape silverside live?
The Cape silverside lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Mayotte, Namibia, South Africa
How big does the Cape silverside get?
The Cape silverside grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Cape silverside dangerous to humans?
No, the Cape silverside 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.
Is the Cape silverside edible?
The Cape silverside is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Atherina
More from the family Atherinidae
Want the complete picture on the Cape silverside?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cape silverside is one of 12,519 species in the app.