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Threadfin bonefish (Albula nemoptera) — Albulidae

Threadfin bonefish

Albula nemoptera
Family: Albulidae

The Threadfin bonefish (Albula nemoptera) is a brackish-water fish of the family Albulidae that grows up to 51 cm.

Length
51 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0–50.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Threadfin bonefish is a bonefish (Albulidae) from shallow tropical coastal waters and sand flats of the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific. The species has a streamlined, bright-silvery body with a downward-pointing, pig-like snout. A rear dorsal-fin ray is extended into a long thread. As a bottom-oriented fish it roots on sandy tidal flats for worms, shellfish, crustaceans and small fish. It is a famed, hard-fighting sport fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threadfin bonefish?

The Threadfin bonefish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Threadfin bonefish live?

The Threadfin bonefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Threadfin bonefish get?

The Threadfin bonefish grows to a maximum of about 51 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.

Is the Threadfin bonefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Threadfin bonefish is harmless to humans.

Is the Threadfin bonefish edible?

Yes, the Threadfin bonefish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Draadvin-grondvis sourced
English name
Threadfin bonefish sourced
Scientific name
Albula nemoptera
Family
Albulidae
Other names
Shafted bonefish; Threadfin bonefish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
51.0 verified
Average length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Albula

More from the family Albulidae

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