Polynemus sexfilis is a species commonly found in shallow sandy shores of the Maldives, formerly described under the genus Polydactylus.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 20 cm; max. 30 cm
color
Silvery with bronze lines following scale rows. Pectoral fins blackish. Pelvic fins dark in the middle. Small juveniles (4 cm) with broad dark bars and black areas on all fins except pectorals.
This species is mainly found in shallow sandy shores and estuaries, where it feeds on small crustaceans, fishes, and other organisms living on the seabed.
distinctive characters
The first dorsal fin has 8 spines, the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 13 rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and 11 rays, and the pectoral fin has 15 and 6 free filamentous rays. The body is oblong and somewhat compressed, the snout is projecting, and the mouth is moderately large with small teeth. The upper lip is absent and the lower lip is well developed. The scales are small and ctenoid, and the caudal fin is forked with equal lobes.