Fin's Fish Guide
The Jack silverside (Atherinopsis californiensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Atherinopsidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Eastern Pacific; shallow coastal waters and bays of the west coast of North America.
Description
The jacksmelt is a silverside of the family Atherinopsidae from the eastern Pacific off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a bright silver lateral stripe and two separate dorsal fins. It lives in schools in shallow coastal waters and bays and feeds on plankton and small invertebrates. It is a demersal spawner: the eggs are attached to one another and to the substrate by adhesive filaments, and the larvae live planktonically near the surface. The species is taken by commercial and recreational fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Jack silverside?
The Jack silverside has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Glossy silvery longitudinal stripe and two separate dorsal fins; forms shoals in bays.
Where does the Jack silverside live?
The Jack silverside lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific; shallow coastal waters and bays of the west coast of North America.
How big does the Jack silverside get?
The Jack silverside grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Jack silverside dangerous to humans?
No, the Jack silverside is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Jack silverside edible?
Yes, the Jack silverside is commonly eaten.
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All data
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More from the family Atherinopsidae
Want the complete picture on the Jack silverside?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Jack silverside is one of 12,519 species in the app.