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Twospine driftfish (Psenes sio) — Nomeidae

Twospine driftfish

Psenes sio
Family: Nomeidae
LC · Least Concern

The Twospine driftfish (Psenes sio) is a saltwater fish of the family Nomeidae that grows up to 34 cm.

Length
33.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Worldwide (tropical, pelagic)
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The twospine driftfish is a pelagic fish from the open tropical oceans. The species grows to about 34 cm and has a deep, silvery to dark body. Juveniles live among the tentacles of drifting jellyfish and siphonophores, where they find shelter and feed; adults move to deeper water. It feeds on jellyfish, salps and small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Twospine driftfish?

The Twospine driftfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Juveniles shelter among jellyfish tentacles; pelagic drifter

Where does the Twospine driftfish live?

The Twospine driftfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Worldwide (tropical, pelagic)

How big does the Twospine driftfish get?

The Twospine driftfish grows to a maximum of about 34 cm.

Is the Twospine driftfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Twospine driftfish 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 Twospine driftfish edible?

The Twospine driftfish is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Twospine driftfish verified
Scientific name
Psenes sio
Family
Nomeidae
Other names
Twospine driftfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
33.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Worldwide (tropical, pelagic) verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Jellyfish, salps and small zooplankton inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Pelagic jellyfish drifter; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Juveniles shelter among jellyfish tentacles; pelagic drifter sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 sourced
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 Psenes

More from the family Nomeidae

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