Page 102 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

FISHES

Reproduction Common name: Hardyhead silverside

The two dorsal fins are close
to each other
identification Wide mid-lateral band

Scientific Name:
Atherinomorus forskalii
Picture

Key identifying features
Brief history
The body is rather deep but not very compressed
(body width being roughly 2/3 body depth), growing
up to 15 cm in length (commonly 2–10 cm). It has a
grey back with a white belly and two separate dorsal
fins: the first has 7–8 flexible spines and the second
dorsal 1–2 spines and 8–11 soft rays. The anal fin
lies directly below the second dorsal fin and has 1
Reproduction
spine, rarely 2, with 12–17 soft rays.
The eggs are large, with adhesive filaments to
The tail fin is forked. The head is large, almost anchor them to solid objects.
straight dorsally or somewhat convex in shape, and
with large eyes. The mouth is protrusive and the
edge of the pre-opercular (a bone lying in front the
gill cover) bears a notch in angle.

A characteristic broad, silvery, mid-lateral band runs
from the upper margin of the pectoral fin to the base
of tail fin.

Field identification signs and habitat
This species, like all other Atherinidae, lives in
shallow waters close to the coast, near the surface. It
forms large schools and feeds on zooplankton and
small bottom-living invertebrates.
Atherinomorus forskalii. Photo: P. Consoli

Atherinomorus forskalii. Photo: E. Azzurro Atherinomorus forskalii. Photo: P. Consoli

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