Fin's Fish Guide
The Butterfly whiptail (Pentapodus setosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Nemipteridae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The butterfly whiptail is a threadfin bream (Nemipteridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an elongate, silvery body with fine colour lines and a thread-like extended upper tail lobe. It lives in silty coastal bays and on deeper mud bottoms offshore, swimming over open substrate next to reefs. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small bottom invertebrates and small fishes. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Butterfly whiptail?
The Butterfly whiptail has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Thread-like upper caudal lobe; bottom hunter of silty coastal bays and muddy bottoms.
Where does the Butterfly whiptail live?
The Butterfly whiptail lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coastal bays and muddy bottoms.
How big does the Butterfly whiptail get?
The Butterfly whiptail grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Butterfly whiptail dangerous to humans?
No, the Butterfly whiptail is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Butterfly whiptail edible?
Yes, the Butterfly whiptail is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pentapodus
More from the family Nemipteridae
Want the complete picture on the Butterfly whiptail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Butterfly whiptail is one of 12,519 species in the app.