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The Greater argentine (Argentina silus) is a deep-water, demersal fish belonging to the family Argentinidae. It is characterized by its silvery appearance, large eyes, and slender body. This species is commercially important in certain regions and is known for its delicate flesh.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Dorsal side is typically brownish-grey to olive-green, fading to bright silvery on the flanks and belly. The operculum (gill cover) often has a golden or iridescent sheen.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Large eyes, positioned laterally, adapted for low light conditions., A small adipose fin located between the dorsal and caudal fins., A relatively small mouth with fine teeth., A distinct, strong odor, often described as cucumber-like, when freshly caught.
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin, relatively short, located mid-body. Typically 10-12 soft rays.
- Tail fin
- Deeply forked caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Pectoral fins are relatively small and low-set.
- Distinctive fins
- Presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin posterior to the dorsal fin, a characteristic of the order Argentiniformes.
Identification Tips
Adipose Fin
Look for the small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins, a key family characteristic.
Eye Size
The eyes are notably large relative to the head size, an adaptation to its deep-water habitat.
Coloration
The distinct silvery flanks and belly, contrasting with a darker back, are characteristic.
Body Shape
Its slender, elongated body helps distinguish it from more robust bottom-dwelling species.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found at depths ranging from 150 to 500 meters (490 to 1,640 feet), but can occur from 50 to over 1,000 meters (160 to 3,280 feet).
- Environment
- Demersal, inhabiting continental shelves and slopes, often over muddy or sandy bottoms. Forms schools.
- Geographic range
- North Atlantic Ocean, including the waters off Norway, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, the British Isles, and eastern Canada (Grand Banks, Scotian Shelf).
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for home aquaria due to deep-water requirements and size.
- Temperature: 4-8°C (39-46°F)
- pH level: 7.8-8.2
- Hardness: High (marine)
- Compatibility: Not applicable for aquaria.
- Special requirements: Requires deep-sea conditions, high pressure, and specific temperature/light regimes, making it unsuitable for typical aquarium environments.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Typically fished year-round, with peak seasons varying by region and stock management.
- Market price: Varies by region and season, generally moderate.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, delicate, slightly sweet
- Texture: Flaky, tender, moist
- Cooking methods: Baked, Fried, Steamed, Grilled, Smoked
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B12 and D.
Key Facts
Deep-Sea Dwellerbehavior
The Greater argentine is primarily a deep-water species, adapted to life in low light and high-pressure environments.
Cucumber Scentinteresting
Freshly caught Greater argentine often emit a distinctive odor reminiscent of fresh cucumbers, a characteristic shared with some other smelt-like fishes.
Commercial Fisheryinteresting
Despite its deep-water habitat, it is an important commercial species, particularly in North Atlantic fisheries, often caught as bycatch or targeted for its delicate flesh.
Adipose Fininteresting
The presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin is a key morphological feature that places it within the order Argentiniformes, distinguishing it from many other silvery pelagic fishes.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. The fish is not venomous or dangerous.
Similar Species
Lesser argentine
Argentina sphyraena
The Lesser argentine is generally smaller, has a more southern distribution, and typically has a more pointed snout and a slightly different fin ray count. Argentina silus has a larger head and larger eyes relative to its body size compared to A. sphyraena.
Atlantic herring
Clupea harengus
While also silvery, Atlantic herring lack the adipose fin and have a more compressed body shape. Their mouth is also typically more superior.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Argentiniformes
- Family
- Argentinidae
- Genus
- Argentina
- Species
- Argentina silus
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