Needlescaled queenfish
📖 Overview
Adults are found near the surface in coastal waters , in small schools. They feed on fishes . Dorsal and anal fins may carry toxins . Generally marketed fresh, may be dried or salted .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 21; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 18 - 20. Dorsally bluish, ventrally silver or white, with 5-8 vertically oblong or oval black spots5-8, the first 4-5 intersect the lateral line, dorsal fin lobe black outer half . Body strongly compressed, oblong and elliptical, dorsal and ventral profiles equally convex. In adults, upper jaw extends to posterior edge of pupil. Soft rays of posterior dorsal and anal fins consist of semi-detached finlets .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Needlescaled queenfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 20 - 50 m . Tropical; 26°C - 29°C West Pacific: widespread throughout the Indian Ocean from Natal, South Africa northward and from Japan south to Australia and east to Fiji.
🌿 Ecology
fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🎣 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.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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