Silversides (family Atherinidae)

The silversides (also known as atherines) are small or medium sized schooling fishes, so in aquaria it is best to keep at least six and preferably more. In the fishkeeping hobby they are often called rainbowfish, but this is misleading as they are only distantly related to the true Australian rainbowfish. Most are marine, but there are some fresh and brackish water species, though it is the freshwater species that appear most often in tropical fish shops. Some of the smaller species spawn quite readily if kept well. 

Bedotia geayi is a medium sized, schooling fish well suited to mixed community tanks. Growing to 15 cm (6 inches) they are midwater predators and need a mixed diet of quality flake or pellets plus regular feedings of live or frozen crustaceans. As youngsters they tend to be a little dull, but fully grown Bedotia geayi are very handsome, with colourful fins and a sleek body. They generally ignore their tankmates, but may eat very small fishes. Bedotia geayi needs little salt, but demands hard, neutral to alkaline water. Don’t keep in a brackish water aquarium with a specific gravity above 1.005. 

Another commonly sold atherine is Telmatherina ladigesi, the Celebes rainbowfish. This is an active and beautiful fish that should is high on the list of desirable fishes for any aquarium. It has a neon tetra-like blue band within its clear body, plenty of yellow and black on the fins and large, bright eyes. Although small (7 cm or 3 inches) it does well in a spacious tank (over 60 cm, 24 inches, long); when their bright colours really shine. Although both sexes are lovely, the male has extended black rays to the anal and dorsal fins which it flutters to prospective mates. Keep in the same way as Bedotia geayi, offering plenty of live or frozen food to ensure bright colours.