Fin's Fish Guide
The Black slipmouth (Karalla daura) is a saltwater fish of the family Leiognathidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The goldstripe ponyfish is a small silvery fish of the family Leiognathidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 14 cm and has a deep, compressed body and a highly protrusible, tube-like mouth with which it sucks prey from the bottom. It occurs in shallow coastal waters, mainly over muddy bottoms, and usually lives in schools. The diet consists of polychaetes, bivalves, small crustaceans and sponges. Around the oesophagus it has a light organ with luminous bacteria that makes the belly glow faintly. The species is regularly caught in coastal fisheries and eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black slipmouth?
The Black slipmouth has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Highly protrusible tube mouth; light organ with luminous bacteria that makes the belly glow.
Where does the Black slipmouth live?
The Black slipmouth lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific, in shallow muddy coastal waters.
How big does the Black slipmouth get?
The Black slipmouth grows to a maximum of about 14 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Black slipmouth dangerous to humans?
No, the Black slipmouth is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black slipmouth edible?
Yes, the Black slipmouth is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Karalla
More from the family Leiognathidae
Want the complete picture on the Black slipmouth?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black slipmouth is one of 12,519 species in the app.