Fin's Fish Guide
The Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Synodontidae that grows up to 61 cm.
Description
The Bombay duck is a lizardfish relative (Synodontidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a soft, translucent body with a large mouth full of fine, needle-sharp teeth. For most of the year it lives near the bottom on sandy mud offshore; in the rainy season it gathers in large numbers near river mouths. As a predator it takes small fishes and shrimps. It is an important commercial food fish, often dried. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bombay duck?
The Bombay duck has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Soft, translucent body with needle-sharp teeth; commercial food fish, often dried.
Where does the Bombay duck live?
The Bombay duck lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Indo-West Pacific; sandy mud and river mouths.
How big does the Bombay duck get?
The Bombay duck grows to a maximum of about 61 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Bombay duck dangerous to humans?
No, the Bombay duck is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bombay duck edible?
Yes, the Bombay duck is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Harpadon
More from the family Synodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Bombay duck?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bombay duck is one of 12,519 species in the app.