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Mekong threadfin (Polynemus dubius) — Polynemidae

Mekong threadfin

Polynemus dubius
Family: Polynemidae

The Mekong threadfin (Polynemus dubius) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Polynemidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand

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Description

The Mekong threadfin is a threadfin (Polynemidae) from turbid coastal, estuarine and lower river water of the rivers and estuaries of Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a blunt snout and several free, thread-like lower pectoral rays with which it feels for prey in sand and mud. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches for shrimp, small fish and worms. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mekong threadfin?

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

Where does the Mekong threadfin live?

The Mekong threadfin lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand

How big does the Mekong threadfin get?

The Mekong threadfin grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Mekong threadfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Mekong threadfin 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Mekong threadfin sourced
Scientific name
Polynemus dubius
Family
Polynemidae
Other names
Eastern paradise fish; Longwhip threadfin; Mimic threadfin; Tasselfish; Borneo threadfin verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
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 Polynemus

More from the family Polynemidae

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