Okinawan silverside

📖 Overview

Okinawan silverside (Hypoatherina lunata) is a ray-finned fish of the family Atherinidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in pelagic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 6.4 cm. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 5 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 10 - 12; Vertebrae: 38 - 43. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: premaxillary ascending process long and slender, widest point at the distal half; maxilla curved downward posteriorly with a rounded posterodorsal edge; anus located slightly anterior to appressed tip of pelvic fin (holotype and 35 paratypes) or just at the appressed tip (12 paratypes) (distance between pelvic-fin insertion and anus ca. four-fifths of pelvic-fin length or longer); with a distinct black crescent marking in front of eye in preserved specimens; eye large with diameter 9.5-11.9 % SL or 36-44 % HL; interorbital somewhat wide, width 9.8-11.8 % SL or 36-43 % HL; posterior margin of lateral and predorsal scales entire; no distinct projection on posterior margin of axillary scale .: elongated; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Okinawan silverside is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Okinawan silverside is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; pelagic-neritic. Temperate

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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