Summary ²

Family: Atherinopsidae

Brook silversides(Labidesthes sicculus) live near the surface of lakes, rivers and larger creeks. Can be readily seen by a person looking at the water. Fast swimmers that feed on microorganisms and tiny aquatic insect larvae. Will form schools. Known to leap out of the water, sometimes several times in quick succession.

How to recognize: A long, skinny fish. First fin on the back is tiny. Second fin on the back is moderately sized. The fin under the body is long. Mouth is shaped like a beak. Up to 4 inches /10 centimeters long.

Sources and Credits

1. (c) alavire, all rights reserved
2. (c) alavire, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• Animal Diversity Web
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• FishBase
• FishSource
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• NatureServe Explorer 2.0
• VertNet
• World Register of Marine Species

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