Red Sea elongate ponyfish
📖 Overview
Red Sea elongate ponyfish (Equulites aethopos), first described by Suzuki & Kimura, 2017 is a small fish in the family Leiognathidae (order Acanthuriformes). Adults typically reach 7.20 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species is important as a food fish. As a member of the Leiognathidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 14. This species of the Equulites elongatus group is distinguished by the following set of characters: eye diameter 53-68% postorbital head length; distance from pelvic-fin insertion to center of anus 33-38% of the distance from pelvic-fin insertion to anal-fin origin; scales above lateral line 7-10; tips of neural and hemal spines of fourth preural centrum rather expanding, distal expansion ratios of neural and hemal spines of the fourth preural centrum (DERN+DERH) 4.4-5.3 .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Red Sea elongate ponyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Tropical endemic in southern Red Sea.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Equulites Aethopos is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Red Sea elongate ponyfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Red Sea elongate ponyfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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