Home · Polynemidae · Indian threadfin
Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum) — Polynemidae

Indian threadfin

Leptomelanosoma indicum
Family: Polynemidae

The Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum) is a brackish-water fish of the family Polynemidae that grows up to 142 cm.

Length
142 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
55.0–100.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Indian threadfin is a threadfin (Polynemidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a blunt snout and an inferior mouth; the lower pectoral rays are free, thread-like feelers with which it probes for prey in turbid water. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud bottoms for shrimp, small fish and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Indian threadfin?

The Indian threadfin has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Indian threadfin live?

The Indian threadfin lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Indian threadfin get?

The Indian threadfin grows to a maximum of about 142 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.

Is the Indian threadfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Indian threadfin is harmless to humans.

Is the Indian threadfin edible?

Yes, the Indian threadfin is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Indische draadvinvis sourced
English name
Indian threadfin sourced
Scientific name
Leptomelanosoma indicum
Family
Polynemidae
Other names
Bastard mullets; Giant threadfin; Indian salmon; Indian tassel fish; Indian threadfin verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
142.0 verified
Average length (cm)
80.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
55.0 verified
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Polynemidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →