Fin's Fish Guide
The Barred longtom (Ablennes hians) is a brackish-water fish of the family Belonidae that grows up to 140 cm.
Description
The flat needlefish is a large beaked fish of the family Belonidae occurring circumtropically in warm seas. The species has a strongly compressed, ribbon-like, silvery-blue body with several dark cross-bars and long, toothed jaws, and reaches about 140 cm. It lives in coastal and oceanic waters, often near islands, enters estuaries and coastal rivers and sometimes forms large schools. The diet consists mainly of small fishes. When disturbed the species can leap from the water at high speed. The fish is marketed fresh, salted, smoked or frozen.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barred longtom?
The Barred longtom has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Strongly flattened, ribbon-shaped body with long toothed jaws; can leap out of the water.
Where does the Barred longtom live?
The Barred longtom lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Circumtropical in warm coastal and oceanic waters worldwide.
How big does the Barred longtom get?
The Barred longtom grows to a maximum of about 140 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.
Is the Barred longtom dangerous to humans?
The Barred longtom can cause injury; handle it with care. This fast, toothed beaked fish can leap from the water when disturbed and cause puncture or cut wounds with its sharp snout, especially at night near artificial light. Clean any wound thoroughly and seek medical help for deep injuries.
Is the Barred longtom edible?
The Barred longtom is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Barred longtom and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Belonidae
Want the complete picture on the Barred longtom?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barred longtom is one of 12,519 species in the app.