Atheriniformes
Sign in to saveThe Atheriniformes, also known as the silversides, are an order of ray-finned fishes that includes the Old & New World silversides, the rainbowfishes, and several less-familiar families, including the unusual Phallostethidae. The order includes at least 354 species. They are found worldwide in tropical and temperate marine and freshwater environments.
Article
4 sectionsContents
- Description
- Taxonomy
- Timeline of genera
- References
The Atheriniformes, also known as the silversides, are an order of ray-finned fishes that includes the Old & New World silversides, the rainbowfishes, and several less-familiar families, including the unusual Phallostethidae. The order includes at least 354 species. They are found worldwide in tropical and temperate marine and freshwater environments.
== Description == Atheriniformes are generally elongated and silvery in colour, although exceptions do exist. They are typically small fish, with the largest being the Argentinian silverside, with a head-body length of , but possibly up to 82 cm (32 in). The smallest species, such as the Bangkok minnow, reach only in adult length.