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Sevenfinger threadfin (Filimanus heptadactyla) — Polynemidae

Sevenfinger threadfin

Filimanus heptadactyla
Family: Polynemidae
LC · Least Concern

The Sevenfinger threadfin (Filimanus heptadactyla) is a brackish-water fish of the family Polynemidae that grows up to 38 cm.

Length
38 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indo-West Pacific
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The sevenfinger threadfin is a threadfin from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 38 cm and has a silvery body and, characteristic of the threadfins, seven free, thread-like lower pectoral fin rays that are dragged over the bottom as feelers. With them it locates shrimp, worms and small fish in turbid coastal and estuarine water. It is a valued food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sevenfinger threadfin?

The Sevenfinger threadfin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Seven thread-like feeling pectoral fin rays for searching the bottom

Where does the Sevenfinger threadfin live?

The Sevenfinger threadfin lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific

How big does the Sevenfinger threadfin get?

The Sevenfinger threadfin grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.

Is the Sevenfinger threadfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Sevenfinger 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.

Is the Sevenfinger threadfin edible?

Yes, the Sevenfinger threadfin is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Sevenfinger threadfin verified
Scientific name
Filimanus heptadactyla
Family
Polynemidae
Other names
Sevenfinger threadfin; Seven-fingered threadfin; Sevenfinger-threadfin; Tassel fish; Threadfin verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
38.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Indo-West Pacific verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Shrimps, worms and small fishes inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Probing coastal threadfin; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Seven thread-like feeling pectoral fin rays for searching the bottom sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing in coastal and estuarine waters sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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 Filimanus

More from the family Polynemidae

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