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Dwarf dory (Cyttomimus affinis) — Zeniontidae

Dwarf dory

Cyttomimus affinis
Family: Zeniontidae

The Dwarf dory (Cyttomimus affinis) is a saltwater fish of the family Zeniontidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–304.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, China, Japan, New Caledonia

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Description

The dwarf dory is a small deepwater fish (Zeniontidae), related to the dories, from the continental slope in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with large eyes and stout fin spines. In the dim deep water it snaps at small zooplankton and small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf dory?

The Dwarf dory has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Dwarf dory live?

The Dwarf dory lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, China, Japan, New Caledonia

How big does the Dwarf dory get?

The Dwarf dory grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Dwarf dory dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf dory 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
Dwarf dory sourced
Scientific name
Cyttomimus affinis
Family
Zeniontidae
Other names
False dory sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
304.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, China, Japan, New Caledonia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

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

More from the family Zeniontidae

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