Menidia beryllina (Cope, 1867)
Inland silverside
photo by Christie, B.L.

Family:  Atherinopsidae (Neotropical silversides), subfamily: Menidiinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 2 years
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Massachusetts to southern Florida in USA and around Gulf of Mexico to northeastern Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 16-19; Vertebrae: 38-42
Biology:  A brackish/marine species that ascends rivers (Ref. 86798). In fresh water, usually occurs at the surface of clear, quiet water over sand or gravel. Some landlocked populations, many of which have been established in impoundments as forage for sport fishes, reproduce in fresh water (Ref. 5723). Feeds on zooplankton (Ref. 10294), invertebrates, fish eggs and larvae and diatoms (Ref. 93252).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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