Fin's Fish Guide
The Fork-tailed threadfin (Nemipterus furcosus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Nemipteridae that grows up to 24 cm.
Indo-West Pacific, from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific.
Description
The fork-tailed threadfin bream is a tropical marine fish of the family Nemipteridae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a spindle-shaped, pink to reddish body and a deeply forked tail whose upper lobe trails into a thin filament. It lives demersally over sand and mud bottoms and in sheltered estuaries to about 110 m deep, feeding mainly on crustaceans and small fishes. The fish reaches about 24 cm and is of major importance to commercial trawl fisheries, including off northwestern Australia. The flesh is an esteemed food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fork-tailed threadfin?
The Fork-tailed threadfin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Deeply forked tail with a thread-like extended upper lobe; important commercial trawl fish.
Where does the Fork-tailed threadfin live?
The Fork-tailed threadfin lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific.
How big does the Fork-tailed threadfin get?
The Fork-tailed threadfin grows to a maximum of about 24 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Fork-tailed threadfin dangerous to humans?
No, the Fork-tailed threadfin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Fork-tailed threadfin edible?
Yes, the Fork-tailed threadfin is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Nemipterus
More from the family Nemipteridae
Want the complete picture on the Fork-tailed threadfin?
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