Fin's Fish Guide
The Ecuadorian longfin herring (Opisthopterus equatorialis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The Ecuadorian longfin herring is a herring relative (Pristigasteridae) from coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific, off Ecuador and nearby. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a strongly laterally compressed, bright-silvery body with a sharply keeled, serrated belly and a very long anal fin. As an open-water schooling fish it swims in dense groups in turbid coastal waters and filters small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ecuadorian longfin herring?
The Ecuadorian longfin herring has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Ecuadorian longfin herring live?
The Ecuadorian longfin herring lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru
How big does the Ecuadorian longfin herring get?
The Ecuadorian longfin herring grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Ecuadorian longfin herring dangerous to humans?
No, the Ecuadorian longfin herring is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Ecuadorian longfin herring edible?
The Ecuadorian longfin herring is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Opisthopterus
More from the family Pristigasteridae
Want the complete picture on the Ecuadorian longfin herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ecuadorian longfin herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.