Equulites leuciscus (Günther, 1860)
Whipfin ponyfish
photo by Tonozuka, T.

Family:  Leiognathidae (Slimys, slipmouths, or ponyfishes), subfamily: Gazzinae
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 5 - 70 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to northern Australia and New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 14-14. Description: Body silvery; males usually with triangular bluish patches on side of belly; dorsal spots small semicircular or irregular greyish green; ventral spots large yellow; eyes greenish; fins dorsal and anal soft rays margin yellow. Head naked; with nuchal spine. Protracted mouth pointing downward. Body deep and compressed moderately, depth max 2.0-3.0 in SL. Breast with scales. Second dorsal and anal spines elongated. (Ref. 2108, 90102)
Biology:  Found in coastal inshore waters over mud or sand bottoms, rarely near reefs (Ref 90102). Stays near the substrate and feeds on small shrimps, other crustaceans, and polychaetes (Ref. 5213). A flighty species during the day (Ref. 48635).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 02 July 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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