Fin's Fish Guide
The Toothed ponyfish (Gazza minuta) is a brackish-water fish of the family Leiognathidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Description
The toothed ponyfish is a small, silvery schooling fish of the family Leiognathidae reaching about 21 cm. The deep, strongly compressed body gleams silver and has a remarkably protrusible, tube-like mouth with which the fish sucks prey from the water or the bottom. Unlike most ponyfishes, this species has true teeth in the jaws. Like related species it has a light organ with luminescent bacteria around the gullet, giving a soft glow. The species lives in schools in shallow coastal waters, lagoons and river mouths of the Indo-Pacific, over soft bottoms. It hunts small zooplankton and bottom animals. In Asia it is eaten fresh and dried.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Toothed ponyfish?
The Toothed ponyfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Highly protrusible tube-shaped mouth and, unlike most ponyfishes, real teeth; has a light organ with luminous bacteria.
Where does the Toothed ponyfish live?
The Toothed ponyfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific, in shallow coastal waters, lagoons and river mouths.
How big does the Toothed ponyfish get?
The Toothed ponyfish grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Toothed ponyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Toothed ponyfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Toothed ponyfish edible?
Yes, the Toothed ponyfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gazza
More from the family Leiognathidae
Want the complete picture on the Toothed ponyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Toothed ponyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.