Fin's Fish Guide
The Pikehead hardyhead (Kestratherina esox) is a brackish-water fish of the family Atherinidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The pikehead silverside is a silverside (Atherinidae) from the waters around southern Australia. The species is slender and silvery with a conspicuously pointed, elongate head reminiscent of a pike. It lives in coastal waters and forms schools. At and near the surface it feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. It is an important prey fish for larger fishes and seabirds. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pikehead hardyhead?
The Pikehead hardyhead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Strikingly pointed, pike-like head; schooling silverside of southern Australia.
Where does the Pikehead hardyhead live?
The Pikehead hardyhead lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Around southern Australia; coastal waters.
How big does the Pikehead hardyhead get?
The Pikehead hardyhead grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Pikehead hardyhead dangerous to humans?
No, the Pikehead hardyhead is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pikehead hardyhead edible?
The Pikehead hardyhead is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Atherinidae
Want the complete picture on the Pikehead hardyhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pikehead hardyhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.