Habitat
Mainly found in shallow coastal bays and estuaries. Occurs abundantly in estuaries around seagrass beds and occasionally penetrates the lower reaches of rivers. An annual species which lives for only one year, dying shortly after spawning.
Fishing information
Often used by recreational fishers as bait to target other species. Taken using a bait net or cast net. They can tolerate a wide range of salinity and are often seen swimming in schools in shallow waters especially if brackish. Schools of small-mouthed hardyhead are sometimes mixed with another abundant species Leptatherina presbyroides also known as silverfish, pretty fish or Tamar hardyhead.
Handling
Will shed scales and die quickly when taken out of the water so should be chilled rapidly to prevent deterioration.
Cooking
These fish can be eaten deep fried with the head on or off.