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Delta silverside (Colpichthys regis) — Atherinopsidae

Delta silverside

Colpichthys regis

The Delta silverside (Colpichthys regis) is a saltwater fish of the family Atherinopsidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The delta silverside is a silverside (Atherinopsidae) from shallow coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific, especially the Gulf of California. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, translucent body with a shiny silver stripe along the flank. As a social schooling fish it swims in dense swarms in the upper layer of bays and river mouths and snaps at small zooplankton and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Delta silverside?

The Delta silverside has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Delta silverside live?

The Delta silverside lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North America: Mexico

How big does the Delta silverside get?

The Delta silverside grows to a maximum of about 16 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.

Is the Delta silverside dangerous to humans?

No, the Delta 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Delta silverside sourced
Scientific name
Colpichthys regis
Family
Atherinopsidae
Other names
False grunion verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
16 inferred
Average length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Atherinopsidae

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