Common Hardyhead

Upper margin of dentary slightly ascending distally, without a distinct tubercle at the posterior end; posterior tip of upper jaw not extending beyond a vertical through anterior margin of pupil; midlateral scale count 39-42; midlateral band narrow, width about 2/3 to 5/6 that of midlateral scale at level of anal fin origin (Ref. 41049).

Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 12 - 15; Vertebrae: 40 - 43

Feeds on invertebrates (Ref. 2909), calanoid copepods, cladocerans and insects during the day and mainly amphipods at night (Ref. 53687).

Found in shallow coastal waters, including bays and estuaries (Ref. 36661); can tolerate salinity as low as 3 parts per thousand (Ref. 9760). Usually in schools (Ref. 36661). Feeds on amphipods, copepods, isopods, crab and barnacle larvae, polychaetes, gastropods, chironomid midges, hymenopterans, ants, foraminiferans, and plant matter (Ref. 9760). Opportunistic feeder (Ref. 9760). Probably used as bait and for fishmeal (Ref. 9760).

fisheries: minor commercial; price category: medium; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family