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Threefinger threadfin (Eleutheronema tridactylum) — Polynemidae

Threefinger threadfin

Eleutheronema tridactylum
Family: Polynemidae

The Threefinger threadfin (Eleutheronema tridactylum) is a brackish-water fish of the family Polynemidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Brackish
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The threefinger threadfin is a threadfin (Polynemidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a blunt, projecting snout and several free, thread-like lower pectoral rays with which it feels over the bottom for prey in turbid water. Thus it searches for shrimp, small fish and worms. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threefinger threadfin?

The Threefinger threadfin has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Threefinger threadfin live?

The Threefinger threadfin lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand

How big does the Threefinger threadfin get?

The Threefinger threadfin grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Threefinger threadfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Threefinger threadfin 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 Threefinger threadfin edible?

Yes, the Threefinger threadfin is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Threefinger threadfin sourced
Scientific name
Eleutheronema tridactylum
Family
Polynemidae
Other names
Threadfin; Threefinger threadfin; Tassel fish verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 Eleutheronema

More from the family Polynemidae

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