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Barbed seabass (Malakichthys barbatus) — Acropomatidae

Barbed seabass

Malakichthys barbatus
Family: Acropomatidae

The Barbed seabass (Malakichthys barbatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Acropomatidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
100–600 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, Japan

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Description

The barbed seabass is a temperate ocean-bass (Acropomatidae) of the continental slope in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with very large eyes, stout fin spines and a small chin barbel. As a bottom-oriented fish of the dim deep water it snaps at small crustaceans, small fish and zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Barbed seabass?

The Barbed seabass has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Barbed seabass live?

The Barbed seabass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Japan

How big does the Barbed seabass get?

The Barbed seabass grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Barbed seabass dangerous to humans?

No, the Barbed seabass is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Barbed seabass sourced
Scientific name
Malakichthys barbatus
Family
Acropomatidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
100 verified
Max depth (m)
600 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, Japan sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Malakichthys

More from the family Acropomatidae

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