Fin's Fish Guide
The Panama longfin herring (Odontognathus panamensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 17 cm.
Description
The Panama longfin herring is a small herring relative from the eastern Pacific, off the coast of Central and South America. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a very slender, strongly compressed, silvery, almost translucent body with a long anal fin. It schools in shallow coastal and estuarine water and filters small zooplankton from the water. It is a local bait and food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Panama longfin herring?
The Panama longfin herring has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very slender translucent body with a long anal fin; schooling plankton filterer
Where does the Panama longfin herring live?
The Panama longfin herring lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Panama longfin herring get?
The Panama longfin herring grows to a maximum of about 17 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Panama longfin herring dangerous to humans?
No, the Panama longfin herring 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 Panama longfin herring edible?
The Panama longfin herring is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Odontognathus
More from the family Pristigasteridae
Want the complete picture on the Panama longfin herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Panama longfin herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.