Fin's Fish Guide
Klunzinger's ponyfish
The Klunzinger's ponyfish (Equulites klunzingeri) is a saltwater fish of the family Leiognathidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Originally the Red Sea and the northwest Indian Ocean, in coastal water over soft bottoms.
Description
Klunzinger's ponyfish is a small, deep-bodied and strongly compressed fish of the family Leiognathidae reaching about 13 cm. The glossy silvery body has a far-protrusible, tube-shaped mouth with which the fish sucks up prey from or just above the bottom. Like other ponyfishes it possesses a light organ with luminous bacteria, used at dusk. The species is native to the Red Sea and the north-western Indian Ocean but has entered the eastern Mediterranean as a Lessepsian migrant through the Suez Canal, where it has become numerous in schools. It feeds on small zooplankton and bottom invertebrates. Locally it is landed as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Klunzinger's ponyfish?
The Klunzinger's ponyfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, deep-bodied and strongly laterally flattened silver fish with a highly protrusible tube mouth; a Lessepsian migrant with a light organ.
Where does the Klunzinger's ponyfish live?
The Klunzinger's ponyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Originally the Red Sea and the northwest Indian Ocean, in coastal water over soft bottoms.
How big does the Klunzinger's ponyfish get?
The Klunzinger's ponyfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Klunzinger's ponyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Klunzinger's ponyfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Klunzinger's ponyfish edible?
The Klunzinger's ponyfish is rarely eaten.
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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 Klunzinger's ponyfish?
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