Long tom
📖 Overview
Inhabits still or flowing rivers, from tidal reaches to far inland. Also found in some impoundments (Lake Argyle,WA). Often shelters among overhanging vegetation or submerged roots. Adults are infrequently found in coastal marine waters . Occurs in larger streams. Surface-dwelling predator of small fishes, insects and crustaceans . Oviparous . Spawning is believed to occur sometimes between September and December. The presence of juveniles well inland and in impoundments suggests that it may spawn in freshwater . Eggs may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 18; Anal soft rays: 19 - 20.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Long tom is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Long tom is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous . Breeding occurs in shallow seas, estuaries, freshwater rivers, lakes or ponds .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; pelagic; depth range 0 - ? m. Tropical; 4°S - 24°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Long tom 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 Long tom is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Long tom has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | freshwater longtom · long tom |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belone krefftii | Günther | 1866 | Synonym |
| Stenocaulus krefftii | Günther | 1866 | Synonym |
| Stenocaulus perornatus | Whitley | 1938 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 19 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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