Species: Chriodorus atherinoides, Hardhead Halfbeak

Chriodorus atherinoides Goode & Bean, 1882

Hardhead Halfbeak

Elongate slender; upper jaw is short and triangular, lower jaw not extended; gill rakers 19-23; fins without spines; dorsal and anal fins at rear of the body, with their bases about opposite one another, both raised at the front; dorsal fin 15-18, anal fin 15-17; pectoral fins high on the sides, behind upper corner of operculum, relatively short, usually 13-14; pelvic fins under the abdomen; tail fin moderately forked, symmetrical; lateral line low on the side of the body; scales large and smooth, 51-55 lateral rows.

Translucent greenish above, with dark dots on scales; silvery below; a bright silver stripe along flank, which is broadest under dorsal fin.

Reaches 20.6 cm.

Shallow freshwater, brackish and marine areas, including brackish lakes.

Depth range: 0-5 m.

Florida to the northern Caribbean.