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Keelcheek bass (Synagrops spinosus) — Acropomatidae

Keelcheek bass

Synagrops spinosus
Family: Acropomatidae

The Keelcheek bass (Synagrops spinosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Acropomatidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Warm parts of the world's seas; continental shelf and slope at depth.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The keelcheek bass is a small deep-water bass of the family Acropomatidae from warm parts of the world's oceans. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a stocky, dark body with large eyes and stout, sharp fin spines. It is a bottom dweller of the continental shelf and slope, usually at considerable depth. As a predator it feeds on small fishes, crustaceans and other small animals. Many Acropomatidae have light organs lit by bacteria. Owing to its deep habits the species is rarely seen and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Keelcheek bass?

The Keelcheek bass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Large eyes and sturdy, sharp fin spines; deepwater bass, many relatives have light organs.

Where does the Keelcheek bass live?

The Keelcheek bass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Warm parts of the world's seas; continental shelf and slope at depth.

How big does the Keelcheek bass get?

The Keelcheek bass grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Keelcheek bass dangerous to humans?

No, the Keelcheek bass is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Keelcheek bass edible?

The Keelcheek bass is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Keelcheek bass sourced
Scientific name
Synagrops spinosus
Family
Acropomatidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
13 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Warm parts of the world's seas; continental shelf and slope at depth. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and small animals sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Large eyes and sturdy, sharp fin spines; deepwater bass, many relatives have light organs. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Synagrops

More from the family Acropomatidae

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