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Seale's threadfin (Filimanus sealei) — Polynemidae

Seale's threadfin

Filimanus sealei
Family: Polynemidae

The Seale's threadfin (Filimanus sealei) is a saltwater fish of the family Polynemidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Solomon Is., Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines

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Description

The Seale's threadfin is a threadfin (Polynemidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a blunt, projecting snout and free, thread-like lower pectoral rays with which it feels over the bottom for prey in turbid water. Thus it searches for shrimp, small fish and worms. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Seale's threadfin?

The Seale's threadfin has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Seale's threadfin live?

The Seale's threadfin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Solomon Is., Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines

How big does the Seale's threadfin get?

The Seale's threadfin grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Seale's threadfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Seale's 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.

More photos

Seale's threadfin (Filimanus sealei) — Polynemidae — 2
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Seale's threadfin (Filimanus sealei) — Polynemidae — 3
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Seale's threadfin (Filimanus sealei) — Polynemidae — 4
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Seale's threadfin (Filimanus sealei) — Polynemidae — 5
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM

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All data

Identification

English name
Seale's threadfin sourced
Scientific name
Filimanus sealei
Family
Polynemidae
Other names
Eight-fingered threadfin; Eightfinger threadfin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Oceania: Solomon Is., Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines 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

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
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

Same genus Filimanus

More from the family Polynemidae

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