Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Anguilliformes
- Family
- Argentinidae
- Genus
- Argentina
- Species
- silus
Habitat
This species inhabits deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean, from the Arctic to subarctic regions, typically at depths of 100-1000 meters over continental slopes and shelves. It prefers cold waters and is often found in areas with muddy or sandy bottoms.
Diet
The Greater argentine primarily feeds on small crustaceans, fish larvae, and plankton, often capturing prey during nocturnal vertical migrations. It is a pelagic feeder, actively hunting in mid-water columns at night.
Behavior
Greater argentine are schooling fish that form large groups for protection and feeding, exhibiting nocturnal activity patterns with vertical migrations to deeper waters during the day. They are generally non-territorial and migrate seasonally to follow food sources or spawning grounds.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Least Concern, with stable population trends due to its wide distribution; major threats include bycatch in commercial fisheries.