Fin's Fish Guide
The Elongate hardyhead (Atherinosoma elongata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Atherinidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The elongate hardyhead is a silverside (Atherinidae) from the waters around southern Australia. The species is small and slender with a silvery body and a shiny silver lengthwise stripe along the flank. It lives in schools in shallow coastal and brackish waters such as estuaries and coastal lagoons. At and near the surface it feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. It is an important prey fish for larger fishes and birds. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Elongate hardyhead?
The Elongate hardyhead is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Glossy silvery flank stripe; small schooling surface fish and important prey fish.
Where does the Elongate hardyhead live?
The Elongate hardyhead lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Southern Australia; shallow coastal and brackish waters.
How big does the Elongate hardyhead get?
The Elongate hardyhead grows to a maximum of about 10 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Elongate hardyhead dangerous to humans?
No, the Elongate hardyhead is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Elongate hardyhead edible?
The Elongate hardyhead is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Atherinosoma
More from the family Atherinidae
Want the complete picture on the Elongate hardyhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Elongate hardyhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.