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Spiny spinybasslet (Acanthoplesiops echinatus) — Plesiopidae

Spiny spinybasslet

Acanthoplesiops echinatus
Family: Plesiopidae

The Spiny spinybasslet (Acanthoplesiops echinatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Plesiopidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
8.0–34.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia, Philippines

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Description

The spiny spinybasslet is a small perch-like fish (Plesiopidae) from shallow reef and rocky water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a stocky, dark body with a long, spiny dorsal fin and rounded fins. As a shy, cryptic dweller it shelters deep in coral crevices, holes and under stones and snaps at small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spiny spinybasslet?

The Spiny spinybasslet has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Spiny spinybasslet live?

The Spiny spinybasslet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Indonesia, Philippines

How big does the Spiny spinybasslet get?

The Spiny spinybasslet grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Spiny spinybasslet dangerous to humans?

No, the Spiny spinybasslet 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
Spiny spinybasslet sourced
Scientific name
Acanthoplesiops echinatus
Family
Plesiopidae
Other names
Hiatt's longfin; Badger spiny basslet verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
8.0 verified
Max depth (m)
34.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia, Philippines sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Plesiopidae

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