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Oblong slipmouth (Equulites stercorarius) — Leiognathidae

Oblong slipmouth

Equulites stercorarius
Family: Leiognathidae
LC · Least Concern

The Oblong slipmouth (Equulites stercorarius) is a saltwater fish of the family Leiognathidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–20 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The oblong slipmouth is a small, laterally strongly compressed fish from the Indo-West Pacific, from Indonesia and the Philippines to Guam and recently Tonga. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a shiny silvery body with a strongly protrusible mouth, characteristic of the slipmouths. It lives on shallow inner reef flats and in silty coastal water and has light-producing organs around the gullet. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Oblong slipmouth?

The Oblong slipmouth has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Oblong slipmouth live?

The Oblong slipmouth lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Oblong slipmouth get?

The Oblong slipmouth grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Oblong slipmouth dangerous to humans?

No, the Oblong slipmouth is harmless to humans.

Is the Oblong slipmouth edible?

Yes, the Oblong slipmouth is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Langwerpige ponyvis verified
English name
Oblong slipmouth verified
Scientific name
Equulites stercorarius
Family
Leiognathidae
Other names
Oblong ponyfish sourced

Appearance

Max length (cm)
10.2 sourced
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Max depth (m)
20 sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Equulites

More from the family Leiognathidae

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