Atherinomorus insularum (Jordan & Evermann, 1903)
Hawaiian Islands silverside
Atherinomorus insularum
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Atherinidae (Silversides), subfamily: Atherinomorinae
Max. size:  9.8 cm FL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 9.0 g
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 0 - 2 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Hawaiian Islands. A subspecies occurs off the south coast of Molokai Island. Saipan, Mariana Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 15-18. Slender fish with moderately laterally compressed body. Teeth on vomer very small and difficult to see. Gill rakers with spinules longer than diameter of pupil. Predorsal scales 20-23.
Biology:  Swim in small schools during the day close to the shoreline, disperse at night spreading over the reef. Nocturnal feeders of plankton, mostly crustaceans and forams. Preyed upon by larger species.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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