Fin's Fish Guide
The Marsh dartfish (Parioglossus palustris) is a brackish-water fish of the family Microdesmidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Asia: Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Palau, Papua New Guinea and others
Description
The Marsh dartfish is a tiny dartfish or wormfish (Gobiidae) from shallow, clear coastal and mangrove water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to only about 3 cm and has an extremely slender, semi-translucent body, often with a fine longitudinal stripe and large eyes. As a social fish it hovers in schools just above sand, coral and roots and dives into a burrow when threatened; it snaps at small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Marsh dartfish?
The Marsh dartfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Marsh dartfish live?
The Marsh dartfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Palau, Papua New Guinea and others
How big does the Marsh dartfish get?
The Marsh dartfish grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Marsh dartfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Marsh 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Parioglossus
More from the family Microdesmidae
Want the complete picture on the Marsh dartfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Marsh dartfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.