Fin's Fish Guide
The Greater silver smelt (Glossanodon leioglossus) is a saltwater fish of the family Argentinidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, in shoals close to sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The greater silver smelt is a slender, bright silvery fish of the family Argentinidae (argentines) reaching about 20 cm. The streamlined body has large eyes, a small mouth and an adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins, as in the salmonids. The skin shines strongly silver. The species lives in schools close to sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, usually at tens to several hundred metres. It feeds on zooplankton, mainly small crustaceans. Although it is locally taken as bycatch, its small size gives it little commercial value; it is, however, prey for larger predatory fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Greater silver smelt?
The Greater silver smelt has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, bright silver small fish with large eyes, an adipose fin and a small mouth; lives in shoals close to the bottom on the continental shelf.
Where does the Greater silver smelt live?
The Greater silver smelt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, in shoals close to sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Greater silver smelt get?
The Greater silver smelt grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Greater silver smelt dangerous to humans?
No, the Greater silver smelt is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Greater silver smelt edible?
The Greater silver smelt is rarely eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Greater silver smelt and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Glossanodon
More from the family Argentinidae
Want the complete picture on the Greater silver smelt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Greater silver smelt is one of 12,519 species in the app.