About Silversides and Rainbowfishes
Small schooling fishes of coasts and fresh water, including rainbowfishes and silversides.
Atheriniformes include silversides, rainbowfishes (Melanotaeniidae), and relatives of fresh, brackish, and coastal waters.
Morphology. Small, silvery, schooling fishes with two dorsal fins (the first small, the second larger) and a silvery lateral band. Rainbowfishes are noted for vivid iridescent colours.
Habitat & distribution. Coasts, estuaries, rivers, and lakes in warm regions, with notable radiations in Australia and New Guinea (rainbowfishes) and the Americas (silversides).
Human significance. Rainbowfishes and silversides are kept in aquaria; some are bait or food fishes.
