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Pygmy Argentine (Glossanodon pygmaeus) — Argentinidae

Pygmy Argentine

Glossanodon pygmaeus
Family: Argentinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pygmy Argentine (Glossanodon pygmaeus) is a saltwater fish of the family Argentinidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
92.0–458.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Deeper continental shelf and slope; muddy, sandy and gravel bottoms.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The pygmy argentine is a small deepwater fish of the herring smelt family (Argentinidae). The species grows to only about 9 cm and has a slender, silvery body with large eyes and a small mouth. It lives on and near mud, sand and gravel bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and slope. Sexual maturity is reached at about 8 cm. As a small predator it feeds on zooplankton and small benthic invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pygmy Argentine?

The Pygmy Argentine has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, large-eyed silver fish of deeper sandy and muddy bottoms.

Where does the Pygmy Argentine live?

The Pygmy Argentine lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Deeper continental shelf and slope; muddy, sandy and gravel bottoms.

How big does the Pygmy Argentine get?

The Pygmy Argentine grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Pygmy Argentine dangerous to humans?

No, the Pygmy Argentine is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Pygmy Argentine edible?

The Pygmy Argentine is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Pygmy Argentine verified
Scientific name
Glossanodon pygmaeus
Family
Argentinidae
Other names
Pygmy argentine verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
92.0 verified
Max depth (m)
458.0 verified
Natural range
Deeper continental shelf and slope; muddy, sandy and gravel bottoms. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Zooplankton and small benthic invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Small, large-eyed silver fish of deeper sandy and muddy bottoms. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Glossanodon

More from the family Argentinidae

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