Atherion africanum Smith, 1965 Pricklenose silverside |
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photo by
FAO |
Family: | Atherionidae (Pricklenose silversides) | |||
Max. size: | 5.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m | |||
Distribution: | Indian Ocean: India to Natal, South Africa (Ref. 4125). | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 5-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 16-17. Translucent and blue-green in color; pigmentation on head and body variable (Ref. 4125). | |||
Biology: | Usually caught offshore in depths of less than 2 m. Used as food for larger commercial species and possibly as bait. | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |