Atherinidae

Smallmouth hardyhead

Atherinosoma microstoma

Schools gather among seagrass and aquatic plants

• Temperate
• Continental endemic
• Southern Hemisphere
• Local endemic species
• Restricted distribution
• Pacific Ocean
• Oceania
• Small
• Temperate fish

Atherinosoma microstoma, commonly known as the small mouth hardyhead, is a species of silverside native to southeastern Australia. It occurs in streams, inland lakes, estuaries and the nearby coastal waters of south-eastern Australia, from Tuggerah Lakes in New South Wales to Lake George in South Australia, as well as in the Bass Strait in Tasmania and Victoria. This species frequently forms schools and they prefer to be among sea grass beds or other aquatic vegetation.