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Vereker's threadfin (Parapolynemus verekeri) — Polynemidae

Vereker's threadfin

Parapolynemus verekeri
Family: Polynemidae

The Vereker's threadfin (Parapolynemus verekeri) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Polynemidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea

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Description

Vereker's threadfin is a threadfin (Polynemidae) from turbid coastal, estuarine and lower river water of northern Australia and New Guinea. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a blunt snout and free, thread-like lower pectoral rays with which it feels for prey in sand and mud. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches for shrimp, small fish and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Vereker's threadfin?

The Vereker's threadfin has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Vereker's threadfin live?

The Vereker's threadfin lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea

How big does the Vereker's threadfin get?

The Vereker's threadfin grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Vereker's threadfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Vereker's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Vereker's threadfin sourced
Scientific name
Parapolynemus verekeri
Family
Polynemidae
Other names
Dwarf paradise fish; Streamer threadfin; Streamered tasselfish; Streamered tassel-fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea 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

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 Polynemidae

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