Odontognathus panamensis (Steindachner, 1876)
Panama longfin herring
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Pristigasteridae (Pristigasterids)
Max. size:  17 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; brackish; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: El Salvador to Panama.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 61-68. Belly with an uninterrupted keel of about 29 or 30 scutes, the outer edges of the scutes distinctly serrated. Upper jaw broad at midpoint, tapering posteriorly, the tip reaching or surpassing the gill opening; no hypo-maxilla. Pectoral fins large; dorsal fin rather small, set far back on body; anal fin long.
Biology:  Found inshore, perhaps entering estuaries (Ref. 9336). Feeds on small crustaceans and fishes (Ref. 9336).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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