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Southern argentine (Glossanodon australis) — Argentinidae

Southern argentine

Glossanodon australis
Family: Argentinidae

The Southern argentine (Glossanodon australis) is a saltwater fish of the family Argentinidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
19.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
140.0–331.0 m
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia

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Description

The Southern argentine is an argentine (Argentinidae) from deeper coastal and slope water around Australia and the southern oceans. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a slender, bright-silvery body with large eyes and a small mouth. As a social schooling fish it hovers just above the bottom and in the water column and snaps at small plankton, small crustaceans and arrow worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Southern argentine?

The Southern argentine has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Southern argentine live?

The Southern argentine lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia

How big does the Southern argentine get?

The Southern argentine grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Southern argentine dangerous to humans?

No, the Southern argentine 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Southern argentine sourced
Scientific name
Glossanodon australis
Family
Argentinidae
Other names
Southern herring smelt sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
140.0 verified
Max depth (m)
331.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

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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