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Indian threadfish (Alectis indica) — Carangidae

Indian threadfish

Alectis indica
Family: Carangidae

The Indian threadfish (Alectis indica) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 165 cm.

Length
165 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Indian threadfish is a large jack of the family Carangidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 1.65 metres. Juveniles have a very deep, strongly compressed body with thread-like elongated anterior fin rays, to which the name refers; with growth the body lengthens and the threads are lost. It lives pelagically over soft bottoms and around reefs on the continental shelf. As a fast predator it hunts fishes and crustaceans. The Indian threadfish is a valued sport and food fish. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Indian threadfish?

The Indian threadfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Indian threadfish live?

The Indian threadfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Indian threadfish get?

The Indian threadfish grows to a maximum of about 165 cm.

Is the Indian threadfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Indian threadfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Indian threadfish edible?

Yes, the Indian threadfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Indische draadvis sourced
English name
Indian threadfish sourced
Scientific name
Alectis indica
Family
Carangidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
165 sourced
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Alectis

More from the family Carangidae

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