Fin's Fish Guide
The Highfin ponyfish (Equulites leuciscus) is a saltwater fish of the family Leiognathidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The whipfin ponyfish is a small slipmouth from the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from East Africa to northern Australia and New Caledonia. It grows to about 25 cm, but is usually around 10 cm, and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with a far-protrusible mouth. Like other ponyfishes it has a light organ with luminous bacteria around the gullet. It lives on mud and sand bottoms of shallow coastal water to about 70 metres depth and feeds at night on small shrimp, other crustaceans and polychaete worms. It is a commercially used fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Highfin ponyfish?
The Highfin ponyfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Far protrusible mouth; light organ with luminous bacteria
Where does the Highfin ponyfish live?
The Highfin ponyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Highfin ponyfish get?
The Highfin ponyfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Highfin ponyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Highfin ponyfish 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 Highfin ponyfish edible?
Yes, the Highfin ponyfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Equulites
More from the family Leiognathidae
Want the complete picture on the Highfin ponyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Highfin ponyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.