Atherinomorphae

Atherinomorphae is a superorder of ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) within the larger grouping Teleostei. Also known as atherinomorphs, the group brings together two primary orders, Atheriniformes and Beloniformes, which together encompass a variety of small to medium-sized coastal and freshwater fishes. The composition of Atherinomorphae can vary somewhat among taxonomic treatments, but most classifications place Atheriniformes and Beloniformes as its defining lineages.

Atheriniformes, commonly referred to as the silversides, include families such as Atherinidae (Old World silversides) and Atherinopsidae (New World silversides). Beloniformes include several well-known families such as Belonidae (needlefishes), Exocoetidae (flyingfishes), Hemiramphidae (halfbeaks), and Scomberesocidae (sauries). Members of these groups are typically small to medium-sized fishes that inhabit marine, brackish, and occasionally freshwater environments, often in warm or temperate regions. They tend to form schools and have diverse feeding strategies, ranging from planktivory to piscivory in some taxa.

Ecology and evolution: Atherinomorphs occupy a broad range of habitats and life histories, from open coastal waters to estuaries and rivers. Molecular phylogenetic studies support the monophyly of the group and its placement within a larger framework of percomorph fishes, although exact relationships can differ with analytical methods and taxonomy. Many species are of minor commercial importance, but some Beloniformes (notably flyingfishes) have fisheries or cultural significance in certain regions.