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Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum) — Polynemidae

Indian threadfin

Leptomelanosoma indicum
Family: Polynemidae

The Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum) is a brackish-water fish of the family Polynemidae that grows up to 142 cm.

Length
142 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
55–100 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Indian threadfin is a threadfin (Polynemidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a blunt snout and an inferior mouth; the lower pectoral rays are free, thread-like feelers with which it probes for prey in turbid water. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud bottoms for shrimp, small fish and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Indian threadfin?

The Indian threadfin has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Indian threadfin live?

The Indian threadfin lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and others

How big does the Indian threadfin get?

The Indian threadfin grows to a maximum of about 142 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.

Is the Indian threadfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Indian threadfin 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.

Is the Indian threadfin edible?

Yes, the Indian threadfin is commonly eaten.

More photos

Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum) — Polynemidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) sharkdevotee, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum) — Polynemidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Jiayuan Lin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum) — Polynemidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Jiayuan Lin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum) — Polynemidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Jiayuan Lin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Indian threadfin sourced
Scientific name
Leptomelanosoma indicum
Family
Polynemidae
Other names
Bastard mullets; Giant threadfin; Indian salmon; Indian tassel fish; Indian threadfin; Threadfin; Bamin; Indian-threadfin; Monk fish; Row ball; Tassel fish; Thread fin verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
142 verified
Average length (cm)
80 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
55 verified
Max depth (m)
100 verified
Natural range
Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and others 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten
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

More from the family Polynemidae

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