Fin's Fish Guide
The Flyspecked hardyhead (Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum) is a freshwater fish of the family Atherinidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The fly-specked hardyhead is a silverside (Atherinidae) from Australia and New Guinea. The species is small and has a slender, silvery body with fine dark speckles, to which the name refers, and a shiny lateral band. It inhabits a wide range of fresh waters: rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and even warm springs. It lives in schools and feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae and algae. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flyspecked hardyhead?
The Flyspecked hardyhead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Finely dark-spotted; adaptable little shoal-forming fish of varied fresh waters.
Where does the Flyspecked hardyhead live?
The Flyspecked hardyhead lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Australia and New Guinea; a variety of fresh waters.
How big does the Flyspecked hardyhead get?
The Flyspecked hardyhead grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Flyspecked hardyhead dangerous to humans?
No, the Flyspecked hardyhead is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Flyspecked hardyhead edible?
The Flyspecked hardyhead is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Craterocephalus
More from the family Atherinidae
Want the complete picture on the Flyspecked hardyhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flyspecked hardyhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.