Chilean silverside
📖 Overview
Chilean silverside (Odontesthes regia), first described by Humboldt, 1821 is a medium-sized fish in the family Atherinopsidae (order Atheriniformes). Adults typically reach 21.00 cm in maximum length. It is diadromous, migrating between freshwater and marine environments during its life cycle. It occurs in Tropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. The species schools in loose to tight aggregations. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Atherinopsidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Chilean silverside is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Chilean silverside is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic. Tropical; 5°S - 47°S, 85°W - 70°W South America: Paíta, Peru to Aysén, Chile.
🌿 Ecology
the eggs of Engraulis ringens (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Chilean silverside is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 249 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Chilean silverside has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Chilean silverside · Silverside |
| 🌍CES | gavúnovec královský |
| 🇫🇷French | Athérine chilienne |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Pejerrey · Pejerrey de mar |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atherina laticlavia | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
| Atherina regia | Humboldt | 1821 | Synonym |
| Austromenidia laticlava | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
| Austromenidia regia | Humbolft | 1821 | Synonym |
| Basilichthys jordani | Abbott | 1899 | Synonym |
| Basilichthys octavius | Abbott | 1899 | Synonym |
| Basilichthys regillus | Abbott | 1899 | Synonym |
| Cauque regillus | Abbott | 1899 | Synonym |
| Chirostoma affine | Steindachner | 1898 | Synonym |
| Odontesthes regillus | Abbott | 1899 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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