| Family: |
Atherinidae (Silversides), subfamily: Atherinomorinae |
| Max. size: |
7.8 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Central Pacific: Sumatra to northern Cooks, north to the Philippines, Carolines and Marshall Islands, south to Fiji. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 4-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-12. Premaxilla with long ascending process and two lateral processes. Gill rakers 22-25. Midlateral scale count 38-42.
Description: Characterized by greyish color dorsally, silvery on sides; 15-19 predorsal scales; depth of body 5.3-6.2 in SL; large eye, 2.7-3.0 in head length; upper jaw extending to or slightly beyond vertical at front of eye; long ascending process and two lateral processes in premaxilla; vomer and jaws with small teeth; large and prominent palatine teeth; ramus of dentary highly elevated posteriorly (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Relatively common in both high island and atoll lagoons (Ref. 1602). They are not found in the rougher waters over reefs and are attracted to light at night in lagoons (Ref. 9760). Used as bait in the tuna fishery (Ref. 6822). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 August 2023 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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