Reef Silverside

Atherina harringtonensis

The Reef Silverside is a small, elongated fish found primarily in the Western Atlantic, including regions such as Bermuda, southern Florida, and the Yucatan Peninsula, extending to northern South America and the Antilles. It is also recorded in the Southeast Pacific, specifically in Tumaco, Colombia. This species is commonly encountered on coral reefs and tends to form large schools in shallow waters, typically less than 20 meters deep. Identifying the Reef Silverside is straightforward due to its narrow head and body that is not significantly wider than its head. The fish can grow up to 10 cm in total length, though a more common size is around 6 cm. It features 12 to 13 dorsal spines, 8 to 10 dorsal soft rays, and 11 to 12 anal soft rays. These fish are primarily zooplankton feeders and are often caught using dip nets, sometimes with the aid of artificial lights. Reef Silversides are oviparous, engaging in distinct pairing during their breeding season. Divers might observe them in large schools, darting through the water in unison. The IUCN lists this species as Least Concern.