Atherinomorus forskalii

Size range: 12-14 cm

Common size: 12-14 cm

Depth range: 0-10 m

Habitat:

• Along rocky shores, not necessarily over rocks or sand.

Water column position:

• Pelagic-Neritic
• Close to the surface

Colors & patterns:

• Large scales on top of the head
• Prominent black dot on the upper part of the eye
• Deeper body than other Atherinidae
• Silvery but some parts of the body are more translucent than others (not homogenous)

Behavior:

1. Transient species. Usually found close to the surface
2. Activity: Diurnal
3. Approach: Shy

Schooling characteristics:

• Large schools

Feeding characteristics:

• Crustaceans, mullosks, worms
• Fish larvae

Native/Exotic: Exotic. Endemic to the Red Sea.

EM notes: Only in the Eastern Mediterranean.