Equulites elongatus (Günther, 1874)
Elongate ponyfish
photo by Wiadnya, D.G.R.

Family:  Leiognathidae (Slimys, slipmouths, or ponyfishes), subfamily: Gazzinae
Max. size:  8.1 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: northern Australia, Indonesia and Myanmar
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 14-14. This species of the Equulites elongatus group is distinguished by the following set of characters: eye diameter 78-126% postorbital head length; distance from pelvic-fin insertion to center of anus 30-42% of the distance from pelvic-fin insertion to anal-fin origin; scales above lateral line 5-9, below 9-14; dorsolateral body with dark vermicular markings including 1-9 ring marks and 0-14 dark spots smaller than a half of pupil diameter; the tips of neural and hemal spines of fourth preural centrum is less expanding, distal expansion ratios of neural and hemal spines of the fourth preural centrum 2.3-3.8 (Ref. 120651).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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