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Whiskered prowfish (Neopataecus waterhousii) — Pataecidae

Whiskered prowfish

Neopataecus waterhousii
Family: Pataecidae

The Whiskered prowfish (Neopataecus waterhousii) is a saltwater fish of the family Pataecidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The whiskered prowfish is a prowfish (Pataecidae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a laterally compressed, brownish body with a high, continuous dorsal fin starting on top of the head and numerous skin appendages and fringes that make it disappear among weed. As a slow bottom-dweller it shelters in seagrass and weed beds and snaps at small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Whiskered prowfish?

The Whiskered prowfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Whiskered prowfish live?

The Whiskered prowfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Whiskered prowfish get?

The Whiskered prowfish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Whiskered prowfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Whiskered prowfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Baard-prauwvis sourced
English name
Whiskered prowfish sourced
Scientific name
Neopataecus waterhousii
Family
Pataecidae
Other names
Whiskered prowfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Pataecidae

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