Silversides are often found near the surface of the water. They may be seen jumping out of the water when spawning or threatened. Characteristics include an upturned mouth, flattened head, scales on the head, large eyes, no lateral line, a long snout and two widely separated dorsal fins.

brook silverside -- Labidesthes sicculus
The brook silverside is a very slender fish with a beaklike snout and two widely separated dorsal fins. This fish lives in creeks, ponds, lakes and streams. It may also be found in shallow areas of reservoirs. The brook silverside rarely is found at depths of more than a few feet. Activity seems to be correlated with light intensity, as it is active during the day and on moon-lit nights. When inactive it floats near the surface. Spawning occurs from June through August. Each egg is provided with an adhesive filament which attaches it to the first object it encounters. The average length of life is two years during which it may attain a length of five inches.

inland silverside--Menidia beryllina [nonnative]