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Elegant sand diver (Trichonotus elegans) — Trichonotidae

Elegant sand diver

Trichonotus elegans
Family: Trichonotidae

The Elegant sand diver (Trichonotus elegans) is a saltwater fish of the family Trichonotidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–40.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Elegant sand diver is a sand diver (Trichonotidae) from shallow coastal water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a very slender, elongate, translucent body with a pointed head and long dorsal and anal fins. It hovers by day above sand bottoms and hunts small zooplankton; when in danger it dives lightning-fast into the sand. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Elegant sand diver?

The Elegant sand diver has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Elegant sand diver live?

The Elegant sand diver lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Elegant sand diver get?

The Elegant sand diver grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Elegant sand diver dangerous to humans?

No, the Elegant sand diver is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sierlijke zandduiker sourced
English name
Elegant sand diver sourced
Scientific name
Trichonotus elegans
Family
Trichonotidae
Other names
Elegant Sanddiver; Elegant sand-diver; Long-rayed sand-diver verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
40.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
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 Trichonotus

More from the family Trichonotidae

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