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Threadfin dartfish (Ptereleotris carinata) — Microdesmidae

Threadfin dartfish

Ptereleotris carinata
Family: Microdesmidae

The Threadfin dartfish (Ptereleotris carinata) is a saltwater fish of the family Microdesmidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
12.0–25.0 m
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama

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Description

The Threadfin dartfish is a dartfish (Gobiidae) from clear coastal and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, streamlined body with large eyes and graceful, sometimes elongate fins. As a social fish it hovers in pairs or groups just above sand and coral rubble and snaps at passing zooplankton; when threatened it darts lightning-fast into a burrow in the bottom. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threadfin dartfish?

The Threadfin dartfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Threadfin dartfish live?

The Threadfin dartfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama

How big does the Threadfin dartfish get?

The Threadfin dartfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Threadfin dartfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Threadfin dartfish 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
Threadfin dartfish sourced
Scientific name
Ptereleotris carinata
Family
Microdesmidae
Other names
Panamic dartfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
12.0 verified
Max depth (m)
25.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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
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

Same genus Ptereleotris

More from the family Microdesmidae

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