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Priapiumfish (Neostethus lankesteri) — Phallostethidae

Priapiumfish

Neostethus lankesteri

The Priapiumfish (Neostethus lankesteri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Phallostethidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Brackish
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Brunei Darsm, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand

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Description

The priapiumfish is a remarkably small fish (Phallostethidae) from coastal and brackish water of Southeast Asia. The species grows to only about 3 cm and has a slender, translucent body. The male carries a complex copulatory organ, the priapium, beneath the head, with which internal fertilisation takes place, unique among small fishes. As a schooling fish it swims in estuaries and mangroves and eats minute zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Priapiumfish?

The Priapiumfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Priapiumfish live?

The Priapiumfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Brunei Darsm, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand

How big does the Priapiumfish get?

The Priapiumfish grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Priapiumfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Priapiumfish 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
Priapiumfish sourced
Scientific name
Neostethus lankesteri
Family
Phallostethidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Brunei Darsm, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand 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

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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

More from the family Phallostethidae

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