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Moreton ponyfish (Equulites moretoniensis) — Leiognathidae

Moreton ponyfish

Equulites moretoniensis
Family: Leiognathidae

The Moreton ponyfish (Equulites moretoniensis) is a fish of the family Leiognathidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Behaviour
Schooling
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Moreton ponyfish is a ponyfish (Leiognathidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the western Pacific around Australia. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, shiny silver body with a highly protrusible mouth. In its throat it carries luminous bacteria with which it spreads a glow in schools. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches for small zooplankton, worms and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Moreton ponyfish?

The Moreton ponyfish is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Moreton ponyfish live?

The Moreton ponyfish is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Moreton ponyfish get?

The Moreton ponyfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Moreton ponyfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Moreton ponyfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Moreton-ponyvis sourced
English name
Moreton ponyfish sourced
Scientific name
Equulites moretoniensis
Family
Leiognathidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
10 inferred
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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 Equulites

More from the family Leiognathidae

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