Lesser African threadfin
📖 Overview
Occurs over sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow waters , frequently in brackish habitats and estuaries, but not in freshwaters . Feeds on benthic invertebrates . Sold fresh, dried salted or smoked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 14. Diagnosis: 9-10 short detached pectoral filaments, not exceeding length of upper pectoral fin; body moderately elongate and compressed, its height comprised 2.9-3.4 times in standard length; snout very short, blunt and prominent; mouth inferior; posterior edge of maxillary only slightly expanded, barely reaching past eye; 2 widely separated dorsal fins, 1st with 8 spines, 2nd with 1 flexible spine and 13-14 soft rays; 2nd dorsal fin and anal fin bases barely equal; pectoral fin inserted low on body; scales ctenoid; head and unpaired fins partly covered with small scales . Coloration: body uniformly silvery, upper part greyish and belly white; a large rounded black spot, about equal to eye diameter, generally visible under lateral line, behind opercle .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Lesser African threadfin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Lesser African threadfin is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Also Ref. 32209.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range 10 - 70 m . Subtropical; 37°N - 27°S, 19°W - 16°E West African coasts, from Canary Islands and Morocco to Angola (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
benthic invertebrates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Lesser African threadfin 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 386 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Lesser African threadfin has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galeoides polydactylus | Vahl | 1798 | Synonym |
| Polynemus astrolabi | Sauvage | 1881 | Synonym |
| Polynemus decadactylus | Bloch | 1795 | Synonym |
| Polynemus enneadactylus | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Polynemus polydactylus | Vahl | 1798 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 730 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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