Fin's Fish Guide
The Lyretail dartfish (Ptereleotris monoptera) is a saltwater fish of the family Microdesmidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Oceania: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Tuamotu Is., French Polynesia, Kiribati, Indonesia and others
Description
The Lyretail dartfish is a dartfish (Gobiidae) from clear coastal and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, streamlined body with large eyes and graceful, sometimes elongate fins. As a social fish it hovers in pairs or groups just above sand and coral rubble and snaps at passing zooplankton; when threatened it darts lightning-fast into a burrow in the bottom. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lyretail dartfish?
The Lyretail dartfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.
Where does the Lyretail dartfish live?
The Lyretail dartfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Tuamotu Is., French Polynesia, Kiribati, Indonesia and others
How big does the Lyretail dartfish get?
The Lyretail dartfish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Lyretail dartfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Lyretail dartfish 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.
Is the Lyretail dartfish edible?
Yes, the Lyretail dartfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ptereleotris
More from the family Microdesmidae
Want the complete picture on the Lyretail dartfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lyretail dartfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.