Longfin salema
📖 Overview
Longfin salema (Xenichthys xanti) is a ray-finned fish of the family Haemulidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 24 cm. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Body oblong, fusiform, and somewhat compressed (its depth contained 2.7 to 3.0 times in standard length); mouth small, terminal, and oblique, its posterior end surpassing the anterior rim of the eye; lower jaw protruding; eyes very large; first gill arch with 22 to 26 gill rakers; dorsal fin deeply notched, with 12 spines and 17 to 19 soft rays (XII, 17-19); second anal spine shorter than third; back brownish green; flanks silvery with golden highlights and 5 or 6 golden yellow longitudinal stripes; upper edge of operculum with a dark spot; caudal peduncle with a dark spot .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Longfin salema is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Longfin salema is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Tropical; 27°N -
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Longfin salema 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 | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 218 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Longfin salema has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | bigeye grunt · longfin salema |
| 🏳️Catalan | Dara folrada |
| 🌍CES | chrochtal okounovitý |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Roncador-da-Baja-Califórnia |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | chula · Chulita · Ollocon Ojón · Pajarillo ojón |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xenichthys xenops | Jordan & Gilbert | 1882 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 16 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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