Largescale ponyfish
📖 Overview
Largescale ponyfish (Equulites macrolepis), first described by Suzuki, Osmany & Kimura, 2023 is a small fish in the family Leiognathidae (order Acanthuriformes). Adults typically reach 6.20 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. 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
This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: body depth 35-41% SL, 120-150% HL; the posterior margin of adipose eyelid not incised (similar to E. rivulatus; upper branch of postorbital canal is short, just reaching to or very slightly exceeding beyond posterior margin of preopercle (similar to E. berbis); scaly area on breast exceeding beyond the vertical through junction of interopercle and subopercle at margin of operculum; interspace of pelvic keels naked; scale rows above and below lateral line 4–5 and 10, respectively; small spots and vermiculate markings on the anterior dorsolateral body .Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Largescale ponyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Subtropical Indian Ocean: Pakistan and western coast of Thailand.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Equulites Macrolepis 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 Largescale ponyfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Largescale 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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