Review of the Silversides of Iran (Family Atherinidae)

Abstract

The silversides or sand smelts are found in coastal areas of temperate to tropical seas and in fresh water. There are about 14 genera and 68 species with only one native species in the Caspian Sea basin, Atherina caspia. In this review, the systematics, morphology, distribution, biology, economic importance and conservation of the Caspian silverside of Iran are described, the species is illustrated, and a bibliography on this fish in Iran is provided.

Keywords

• Atherina, Biology, Morphology, Caspian Sea.