| Family: |
Leiognathidae (Slimys, slipmouths, or ponyfishes), subfamily: Gazzinae |
| Max. size: |
11.3 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 150 m, amphidromous |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea, Persian Gulf and East Africa to Australia, New Caledonia and Tahiti. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 14-14. Body silvery. Naked head; with nuchal spine. Mouth strongly oblique; nostrils situated above eyes (Ref. 48635). Protracted mouth pointing upward; Tip of maxilla reaching well below level of lower margin of eye. Body depth twice or slightly more than standard length. Lateral line ending before dorsal fin. |
| Biology: |
Schooling species found in shallow waters, usually near the bottom (Ref. 30573). Occasionally enters brackish waters (Ref. 4833, 48635). Swims in loose groups (Ref. 48635). Feeds on zooplankton including copepods, mysids, and larval fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 11441). Sold fresh and dried salted; also used for fishmeal. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 17 August 2023 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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