Der Harder

Occurs at temperatures ranging from 8-24°C (Ref. 4944) in calm waters close to shore, around mouths of streams and inlets, and brackish bays and harbors. Usually found in schools over sand or mud bottom (Ref. 2850). Mainly diurnal, feeds on zooplankton, benthic organisms and detritus. Also takes diatom algae and small invertebrates (Ref. 9072). Feeds occasionally at the surface (Ref. 9987). Can be used in aquaculture if stock is collected from the sea (Ref. 4967). Marketed fresh, dried,salted, and frozen; roe sold fresh or smoked (Ref. 9312).

Feeds on zooplankton, benthic organisms, detritus

Western Atlantic: Nova Scotia, Canada to Brazil; Cape Cod to southern Gulf of Mexico; absent in the Bahamas and most of West Indies and Caribbean

nektonic

Occasionally found in Canadian Atlantic waters. Coastal species, found to depths of 120 m and often enter estuaries and rivers.