Fin's Fish Guide
The Giant African threadfin (Polydactylus quadrifilis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Polynemidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, in coastal water, brackish estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers over soft bottoms.
Description
The giant African threadfin is a large, powerful threadfin of the family Polynemidae reaching about 2 metres. The silvery body has a blunt, projecting snout with an inferior mouth, and the row of separate, thread-like lower pectoral-fin rays typical of the family, which feel over the bottom like feelers. The species lives in coastal water and runs far into brackish estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers along the West African coast. As a predator it hunts shrimps, crabs, crustaceans and fish. It is a protandrous hermaphrodite: individuals begin as males and later become females. Among anglers it is known, as the 'captain', as one of the hardest-fighting fish of West Africa.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Giant African threadfin?
The Giant African threadfin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, powerful threadfin with a blunt snout and free, thread-like lower pectoral fin rays; moves far into brackish estuaries and rivers.
Where does the Giant African threadfin live?
The Giant African threadfin lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, in coastal water, brackish estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers over soft bottoms.
How big does the Giant African threadfin get?
The Giant African threadfin grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 150 cm.
Is the Giant African threadfin dangerous to humans?
No, the Giant African threadfin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Giant African threadfin edible?
Yes, the Giant African threadfin is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Giant African threadfin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Giant African threadfin is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Polydactylus
More from the family Polynemidae
Want the complete picture on the Giant African threadfin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Giant African threadfin is one of 12,519 species in the app.