The Marsh dartfish (Parioglossus palustris) is a brackish-water fish of the family Microdesmidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Description
The Marsh dartfish is a tiny dartfish or wormfish (Gobiidae) from shallow, clear coastal and mangrove water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to only about 3 cm and has an extremely slender, semi-translucent body, often with a fine longitudinal stripe and large eyes. As a social fish it hovers in schools just above sand, coral and roots and dives into a burrow when threatened; it snaps at small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Marsh dartfish?
The Marsh dartfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Marsh dartfish live?
The Marsh dartfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Marsh dartfish get?
The Marsh dartfish grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Marsh dartfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Marsh dartfish is harmless to humans.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Parioglossus
More from the family Microdesmidae
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