Brazilian dartfish

📖 Overview

Used in the aquarium trade under the name Opistognathus leitoso. The population is declining fast in some areas of the Brazilian coast (mainly off the States of Espirito Santo and Bahia) due to commercial exploration of the calcareous algae banks. This species hovers over its burrow feeding on plankton and dives headfirst in to the burrow when threatened. Found usually over sandy bottom close to reefs, but also common over sand patches as small as 10 cm in diameter, enclosed by rocky areas or in calcareous algae (Lithothamnion sp.) banks . Maximum depth from Ref. 126840.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22 - 24; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 21 - 23. This species is distinguished from its Atlantic congeners by having the following characters: dorsal and anal fins with bright orange-yellow submarginal bands; second dorsal and anal fins comparatively low, slightly elevated anteriorly; short caudal fin, 5ht and 6th rays prolonged as filaments; short pelvic fins, about the same length as pectorals .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Brazilian dartfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 8 - 70 m . Tropical Southwest Atlantic: endemic to Brazil.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

⚡ Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Brazilian dartfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Brazilian dartfish 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

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute