Cape silverside (Atherina breviceps) fish species and information / pictures of Cape silverside - Atherina breviceps

Cape silverside (Atherina breviceps) fish species information

Scientific Name
Atherina breviceps

Common Name
Cape silverside

Biology
Forms schools along the coast and in estuaries, especially during spring (Ref. 3302). Also found in coastal lakes (Ref. 7248). Small individuals filter out small organisms such as phytoplankton and rotifers. Above 3.5 cm TL, it feeds mostly on crustaceans especially amphipods taken from the water column as well as off the bottom. Preyed upon by fishes and birds (Ref. 7248).

Classification

Classified By

Valenciennes, 1835

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Silversides (Atheriniformes)

Family

Silversides (Atherinidae)

Distribution

Region

Southeast Atlantic

Distribution

Southeast Atlantic: restricted from L?deritz, Namibia to northern Natal, South Africa.

Range

27°S - 35°S

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

pelagic-neritic

Environment

Marine; freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic

Trophic Level

3.26 s.e. 0.49 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

11.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5312 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; bait: usually

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (28 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated