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Longspine ponyfish (Leiognathus longispinis) — Leiognathidae

Longspine ponyfish

Leiognathus longispinis
Family: Leiognathidae

The Longspine ponyfish (Leiognathus longispinis) is a fish of the family Leiognathidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Behaviour
Schooling
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The longspine ponyfish is a ponyfish (Leiognathidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, shiny silver body with a highly protrusible mouth and an elongated dorsal spine. In its throat it carries luminous bacteria with which it spreads a glow in schools. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches for small zooplankton, worms and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longspine ponyfish?

The Longspine ponyfish is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Longspine ponyfish live?

The Longspine ponyfish is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Longspine ponyfish get?

The Longspine ponyfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Longspine ponyfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Longspine 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.

More photos

Longspine ponyfish (Leiognathus longispinis) — Leiognathidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Hamid Badar Osmany (CC BY 3.0)
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All data

Identification

English name
Longspine ponyfish sourced
Scientific name
Leiognathus longispinis
Family
Leiognathidae
Other names
Smithurst's ponyfish; Ponyfish

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
10 inferred
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Leiognathus

More from the family Leiognathidae

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