Shortfin flat needlefish
📖 Overview
Shortfin flat needlefish (Ablennes joseberchmansis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Belonidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 69 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 20 metres. With a trophic level of 4.3, it is an apex predator.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 27 - 29; Anal soft rays: 26 - 27; Vertebrae: 87 - 88. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: elongated and laterally compressed with relatively short head; larger eyes and higher interorbital width; lower margin of the nostril lies just below the horizontal line passing through pupil; dorsal profile of the head with very low rows of large scales; scales are cycloid and easily detached and have fewer predorsal and lateral line scales; pelvic, anal, and dorsal fins are not much elongated; anterior part of the dorsal fin with high falcate lobe and the posterior part is without prominent dark lobes; the longest ray of the posterior dorsal fin is 44% of the dorsal height; caudal fin is deeply forked and the lower lobe is larger in length; high caudal peduncle depth .: elongated; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Shortfin flat needlefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 20 m . Tropical Indian Ocean: India.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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