Fin's Fish Guide
The Dussumier's pony fish (Karalla dussumieri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Leiognathidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The pugnose ponyfish is a ponyfish (Leiognathidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, strongly shiny silvery body with a small, highly protrusible mouth. It inhabits coral sand bottoms of coastal waters and also enters estuaries, often in schools. Many ponyfishes have a light organ with luminous bacteria around the oesophagus. On the bottom it sifts small crustaceans, polychaete worms and organic material. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dussumier's pony fish?
The Dussumier's pony fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Highly shiny body with a protrusible mouth; ponyfishes often carry a luminous bacterial organ.
Where does the Dussumier's pony fish live?
The Dussumier's pony fish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; coral sand bottoms of coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Dussumier's pony fish get?
The Dussumier's pony fish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm. On average the species is around 11 cm.
Is the Dussumier's pony fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Dussumier's pony fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dussumier's pony fish edible?
Yes, the Dussumier's pony fish is commonly eaten.
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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 Dussumier's pony fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dussumier's pony fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.