Fin's Fish Guide
The Lesser argentine (Argentina sphyraena) is a saltwater fish of the family Argentinidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on and along the continental shelf and slope.
Description
The lesser argentine is a slender, salmon-like deep-water fish of the family Argentinidae reaching about 35 cm. The elongate body is bright silver with very large eyes, a small mouth and an adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins. The species lives in schools close to the bottom on and along the continental shelf and slope of the north-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, usually between fifty and seven hundred metres. It feeds on small zooplankton, arrow worms and small crustaceans. The lesser argentine resembles the greater argentine but stays smaller and more slender. It is landed to a limited extent as bycatch but has little commercial value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lesser argentine?
The Lesser argentine has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver-coloured small deep-water fish with very large eyes, a small mouth and an adipose fin; forms shoals close to the bottom.
Where does the Lesser argentine live?
The Lesser argentine lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on and along the continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Lesser argentine get?
The Lesser argentine grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Lesser argentine dangerous to humans?
No, the Lesser argentine is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Lesser argentine edible?
The Lesser argentine is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Lesser argentine 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 Argentina
More from the family Argentinidae
Want the complete picture on the Lesser argentine?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lesser argentine is one of 12,519 species in the app.