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Sinclair's longfin (Paraplesiops sinclairi) — Plesiopidae

Sinclair's longfin

Paraplesiops sinclairi
Family: Plesiopidae

The Sinclair's longfin (Paraplesiops sinclairi) is a saltwater fish of the family Plesiopidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
24.0–30.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

Sinclair's longfin is a perch-like longfin (Plesiopidae) from temperate rocky reef water of southern Australia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, dark body with pale spots and conspicuously long, rounded dorsal, tail and anal fins. As a shy, nocturnal fish it shelters by day in crevices, caves and under overhanging reef and hunts small crustaceans and small fish at night. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sinclair's longfin?

The Sinclair's longfin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Sinclair's longfin live?

The Sinclair's longfin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Sinclair's longfin get?

The Sinclair's longfin grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Sinclair's longfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Sinclair's longfin 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

Sinclair's longfin (Paraplesiops sinclairi) — Plesiopidae — 2
B. Hutchins, Western Australian Museum (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF
Sinclair's longfin (Paraplesiops sinclairi) — Plesiopidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Brenton Prigge, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Sinclair's longfin (Paraplesiops sinclairi) — Plesiopidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) J. Martin Crossley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Sinclair's longfin (Paraplesiops sinclairi) — Plesiopidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) J. Martin Crossley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Sinclair's longfin sourced
Scientific name
Paraplesiops sinclairi
Family
Plesiopidae
Other names
Western blue devil sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
24.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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 Paraplesiops

More from the family Plesiopidae

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