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Atherinidae
The Old World silversides are a family, Atherinidae, of fish in the order Atheriniformes. Atherinidae are abundant and considered bony fish (teleost) that are widespread globally, living in rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. They occur worldwide in tropical and temperate waters. About two-thirds of the species are marine, and the remainder live in fresh water. The 74 species are in 13 genera. The genus ''Craterocephalus'' is the most diverse with 25 species. Four genera are monotypic. Silversides are relatively small with most being less than in length, with several not attaining lengths of more than . The body is generally elongated. Distinctive characters include two dorsal fins widely separated, with the first consisting of flexible spines and the second having one spine followed by soft rays, while the anal fin has one spine on the leading edge followed by soft rays. The pectoral fins tend to be high, and there is no lateral line. On the flanks is a broad, silvery band. ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Atheriniformes
The Atheriniformes, also known as the silversides, are an order (biology), order of ray-finned fishes that includes the Atherinidae, Old World silversides and several less-familiar families, including the unusual Phallostethidae. The order includes at least 354 species. They are found worldwide in tropical and temperate marine and freshwater environments. Description Atheriniformes are generally elongated and silvery in colour, although exceptions do exist. They are typically small fish, with the largest being the Odontesthes bonariensis, Argentinian silverside, with a head-body length of , and the smallest species, such as the Bangkok minnow, being only in adult length. Members of the order usually have two dorsal fins, the first with flexible spines, and an anal fin with one spine at the front. The lateral line is typically weak or absent. Atheriniform larvae share several characteristics; the gut is unusually short, a single row of melanophores occurs along the back, and t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |