Smallmouth Hardyhead, Atherinosoma microstoma (Günther, 1861)

Scientific name: Atherinosoma microstoma
Alternative name/s:
Endora's Hardyhead, Fanged Hardyhead
I.45634-001 and .002 - Atherinosoma microstoma Click to enlarge image
Smallmouth hardyhead specimens Image: Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Atherinosoma
    Species
    microstoma
    Family
    Atherinidae
    Order
    Atheriniformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    10 cm

Introduction

The Smallmouth Hardyhead is a small silvery-coloured fish that is common in shallow coastal habitats of southern Australian waters.

Identification

The Smallmouth Hardyhead looks similar to other species of hardyheads. They are quite difficult to identify. The Smallmouth Hardyhead's coppery lateral stripe combined with its distribution help to identify the species.

Habitat

The species occurs in a wide range of habitats from freshwater to fully marine.

Distribution

The species occurs in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Gomon, M.F., Bray, D. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 2008. The Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Reed New Holland. Pp. 928.
  2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.