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Smooth seabass (Malakichthys levis) — Acropomatidae

Smooth seabass

Malakichthys levis
Family: Acropomatidae

The Smooth seabass (Malakichthys levis) is a saltwater fish of the family Acropomatidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
143.0–256.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The smooth seabass is a temperate ocean-bass (Acropomatidae) of the continental slope in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, smooth, silvery body with very large eyes and stout fin spines. As a bottom-oriented fish of the dim deep water it snaps at small crustaceans, small fish and zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smooth seabass?

The Smooth seabass has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Smooth seabass live?

The Smooth seabass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Smooth seabass get?

The Smooth seabass grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Smooth seabass dangerous to humans?

No, the Smooth seabass 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
Smooth seabass sourced
Scientific name
Malakichthys levis
Family
Acropomatidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
143.0 verified
Max depth (m)
256.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia 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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Malakichthys

More from the family Acropomatidae

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