Longtail bass
📖 Overview
Longtail bass (Hemanthias leptus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Anthiadidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 50 cm. It occurs at depths between 60 and 300 metres. With a trophic level of 3.7, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food, valued as a sport fish.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Pelvic fin long, its tip extending posteriorly beyond origin of anal fin; caudal fin deeply emarginate, upper lobe projecting posteriorly; body silver with a pink cast dorsally, silvery-white ventrally; a yellow line extending from snout through lower edge of eye to posterior margin of opercle; pectoral fin pink, other fins yellow .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Longtail bass is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 60 - 300 m . Tropical; 35°N - 33°S, 100°W - 33°W South Carolina, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean Sea; probably more widespread.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Longtail bass 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 | 17.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 280 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Longtail bass 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)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthiasicus leptus | Ginsburg | 1952 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 14 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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