Fin's Fish Guide
The Smallhead hairtail (Eupleurogrammus muticus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Trichiuridae that grows up to 87 cm.
Asia: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darsm, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and others
Description
The smallhead hairtail is a hairtail (Trichiuridae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a strongly elongate, ribbon-like, bright-silvery body without a true tail fin, ending in a thin filament, and a large mouth with sharp teeth. As a predator it hunts small fish and shrimp in turbid water. When handled the sharp teeth can give a cut; in the water it is not interested in people.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smallhead hairtail?
The Smallhead hairtail has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Smallhead hairtail live?
The Smallhead hairtail lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darsm, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and others
How big does the Smallhead hairtail get?
The Smallhead hairtail grows to a maximum of about 87 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Smallhead hairtail dangerous to humans?
No, the Smallhead hairtail 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 Smallhead hairtail edible?
Yes, the Smallhead hairtail is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Trichiuridae
Want the complete picture on the Smallhead hairtail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smallhead hairtail is one of 12,519 species in the app.