Equulites leuciscus (Günther, 1860)
Whipfin ponyfish
Equulites leuciscus
photo by Tonozuka, T.

 Family:  Leiognathidae (Slimys, slipmouths, or ponyfishes)
 Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  demersal; depth range 5 - 70 m
 Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to northern Australia and New Caledonia.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 14-14. Description: Body silvery; males usually with triangular bluish patches on side of belly; dorsal spots small semicircular or irregular greyish green; ventral spots large yellow; eyes greenish; fins dorsal and anal soft rays margin yellow. Head naked; with nuchal spine. Protracted mouth pointing downward. Body deep and compressed moderately, depth max 2.0-3.0 in SL. Breast with scales. Second dorsal and anal spines elongated. (Ref. 2108, 90102)
 Biology:  Found in coastal inshore waters over mud or sand bottoms, rarely near reefs (Ref 90102). Stays near the substrate and feeds on small shrimps, other crustaceans, and polychaetes (Ref. 5213). A flighty species during the day (Ref. 48635).
 IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated  (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Luna, Susan M. - 19.06.91
 Modified by: Olisa, Kristine Elaine Paz - 11.04.13
 Checked by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 12.08.94

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