Eubleekeria splendens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eubleekeria splendens |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Leiognathidae |
| Genus: | Eubleekeria |
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E. splendens
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| Binomial name | |
| Eubleekeria splendens (Cuvier, 1829)
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| Synonyms | |
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The splendid ponyfish (also called the blacktip ponyfish) is a type of fish known for its shiny, silvery body. Its scientific name is Eubleekeria splendens. It belongs to a group of fish called ponyfish.
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What Does It Look Like?
This fish has a shiny, silvery-white body. It has yellow scales along its lateral line, which is a special sensing line on its side. You can spot a dark mark on the spiny part of its dorsal fin (the fin on its back).
The soft parts of its anal fin (bottom fin), dorsal fin, and caudal fin (tail fin) are light yellow. Its pectoral fins (side fins) are also pale yellow. Sometimes, the soft part of the dorsal fin has a dark edge. The pelvic fins (belly fins) are clear.
The splendid ponyfish does not have scales on its cheeks. However, most of the front upper part of its body is covered in scales. Its fins have strong spines. The dorsal fin has 8 spines and 16 soft rays. The anal fin has 3 spines and 8 soft rays. This fish usually grows to about 15 centimeters (6 inches) long. It can sometimes reach up to 17 centimeters (about 7 inches).
Where Does It Live?
The splendid ponyfish lives in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean. This area stretches from India in the west to Papua New Guinea and Fiji in the east. It can be found as far north as Japan and as far south as Australia. It has also been seen in the waters near Tanzania, Madagascar, and Mauritius. This fish also lives in the Red Sea.
Home and Habits
The splendid ponyfish lives in ocean waters or brackish waters, which are a mix of fresh and saltwater. It can be found at depths of up to 100 meters (about 330 feet). This fish prefers areas where the ocean floor is muddy or sandy mud.
You can often find splendid ponyfish near coastlines and in estuaries, which are places where rivers meet the sea. Smaller, younger fish might live in mangrove creeks. These fish usually swim together in groups called schools. They eat smaller fish, crustaceans (like shrimp), tiny creatures called foraminiferans, and bivalves (like clams). They also eat plants. In northern Australia, these fish lay their eggs in October.
How People Use It
People do catch the splendid ponyfish for food. In Southeast Asia, it is sold fresh or preserved. To preserve it, people dry it and add salt. Sometimes, this fish is also used to make fish meal, which is used as animal feed.
About Its Name
The splendid ponyfish was first officially described in 1829. A French scientist named Georges Cuvier gave it the name Equula splendens. The first fish of this type was found in Chennai, India. Later, in 1904, another scientist named Henry Weed Fowler placed it into a group called Eubleekeria. Today, Eubleekeria is recognized as its own group of fish, and E. splendens is the main example of this group.
