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Atlantic Silverside (Menidia menidia) These fish get their name from the distinctive silver band on their side, accompanied by the translucent green coloring on top and thick dark brown speckles. They are not big, only growing to about 5" (12 cm) long. They are very common in near shore waters, usually on sand or gravel shores and in salt marshes at high tide. Swimming in schools of similarly sized fish, they prey upon zooplankton, shrimp, young squid, worms and algae. They are the most abundant fish in Narragansett Bay and serve as food for other predators such as birds, mackeral, bluefish, and striped bass. They are commonly used as bait in eel pots. |