What is a silver fish? is it really a fish?if not what else is it?

Answer 1

This is what I found...was wondering myself:


Silverfish is a common name for primitive, wingless insects of the family Lepismatidae. The silverfish, which has two long antennae and three long tail bristles, is named for its covering of tiny, silvery scales. It develops directly in six or more molts into an adult about 1⁄2 in. (1.27 cm) long. It has chewing mouthparts set in a head cavity and eats starch from book bindings, wallpaper, and clothing. The silverfish is common indoors in cool, damp places such as basements. The firebrat, in the same taxonomic family, is found in warm places, e.g., near steampipes and boilers.
INTERESTING FACTS: They can go for up to one year without food.

PS> The Wikipedia site has a good photo of the ugly little things.

Answer 2

A SILVER FISH IS BASICALLY AN INSECT.

Silverfish are pests of paper products and prefer food containing starch such as the glue found in book bindings and photographs. Silverfish are found throughout the United States and the world. They are the traditional nemesis of librarians.

Silverfish have inhabited the earth for over 300 million years. These hardy insects live in areas with mild temperatures and high humidity, such as damp storage rooms, bathrooms and basements. Silver fish are silver in color, grow to about 1/2 inch in length and lay thier eggs in cracks and crevices. These light-shy, nimble and wingless insects live for up to four years. Silver fish generally cause trouble in large quantities.

Answer 3

The silverfish as it is commonly known is not a fish.It is an insect.

Technically,
"Lepisma saccharina (commonly called the fishmoth, urban silverfish or just the silverfish) is a small, wingless insect. Its common name derives from the animal's silvery grey colour, combined with the fish-like appearance of its movements, while the scientific name indicates the silverfish's diet of carbohydrates such as sugar or starches. It belongs to the basal insect order Thysanura, and the species is estimated to have existed for 300 million years, originating in the Palaeozoic Era."

Answer 4

It's a very primitive insect without wings and is often found in old books as it eats the old glue. Silverfish are also defined as small fish that are... er, silver.

Answer 5

Hi ,
They are among the most primitive insects living today. They are so called because their bodies are covered with shiny thick scales and also because of the way they wriggle when they run. they are slippery and difficult to catch. They feed on dry organic debris, and they eat paper especially if it contains sizing or glue. They can do considerable damage to books. They are not disease vectors. They are not fish

Answer 6

Its a small flat silvery grey bug that eats fabric. It is kind of shaped like a fish. Its really flat and hard to squish with your shoe. You can step on it, but as soon as you lift your foot up, it will just run out. Houses with cedar shake roofs are prone to getting infested with silverfish.

Answer 7

silver fish are insects that just love ur laundry

Answer 8

A silverfish is an insect. Sometimes you find them around laundry - they're really nasty looking, but harmless.

Answer 9

its not a fish , its insect

Answer 10

silverfish is not an fish.. it's an insect. they're nasty if i have to tell you..