Fin's Fish Guide
The Guatemala silverside (Atherinella guatemalensis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Atherinopsidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The Guatemala silverside is a small silverside from fresh, brackish and coastal water of Central America, along the Pacific coast of Guatemala and nearby. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shiny, silver lateral stripe. It schools near the surface of rivers, lagoons and estuaries and feeds on small zooplankton, insects and algae. It is a local bait and forage fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guatemala silverside?
The Guatemala silverside has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Glossy silvery lateral stripe; small schooling surface fish
Where does the Guatemala silverside live?
The Guatemala silverside lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Central America
How big does the Guatemala silverside get?
The Guatemala silverside grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Guatemala silverside dangerous to humans?
No, the Guatemala 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 Guatemala silverside edible?
The Guatemala silverside is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Atherinella
More from the family Atherinopsidae
Want the complete picture on the Guatemala silverside?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guatemala silverside is one of 12,519 species in the app.