Fin's Fish Guide
The Longfin salema (Xenichthys xanti) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 24 cm.
Description
The longfin salema is a grunt (Haemulidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a slender, silvery body with large eyes and a terminal mouth, and differs from most grunts in its more slender build. It forms schools over shallow sandy bottoms of coastal waters. Unlike most bottom-living grunts it feeds mainly on small zooplankton that it captures in the water column. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longfin salema?
The Longfin salema has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. More slender build than most grunts; plankton eater that forms shoals in the water column.
Where does the Longfin salema live?
The Longfin salema lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; shallow sandy bottoms of coastal waters.
How big does the Longfin salema get?
The Longfin salema grows to a maximum of about 24 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Longfin salema dangerous to humans?
No, the Longfin salema is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Longfin salema edible?
The Longfin salema is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Xenichthys
More from the family Haemulidae
Want the complete picture on the Longfin salema?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longfin salema is one of 12,519 species in the app.