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Smallscale pomfret (Xenobrama microlepis) — Bramidae

Smallscale pomfret

Xenobrama microlepis
Family: Bramidae

The Smallscale pomfret (Xenobrama microlepis) is a saltwater fish of the family Bramidae that grows up to 49 cm.

Length
49.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

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Description

The smallscale pomfret is a pomfret relative (Bramidae) from the cool open water around southern Australia, New Zealand and the southern oceans. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a laterally compressed, dark silvery body with fine scales and large eyes. As a pelagic swimmer it ranges through open water and hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smallscale pomfret?

The Smallscale pomfret has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Smallscale pomfret live?

The Smallscale pomfret lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

How big does the Smallscale pomfret get?

The Smallscale pomfret grows to a maximum of about 49 cm.

Is the Smallscale pomfret dangerous to humans?

No, the Smallscale pomfret 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

Smallscale pomfret (Xenobrama microlepis) — Bramidae — 2
Australian National Fish Collection, CSIRO (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF
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All data

Identification

English name
Smallscale pomfret sourced
Scientific name
Xenobrama microlepis
Family
Bramidae
Other names
Ray's bream; Golden pomfret verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
49.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. 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 Bramidae

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