Long-finned pike

Long-finned pike ( Dinolestes lewini )

The long-finned pike ( Dinolestes lewini ) is a living in small shoals of prey fish from the group of relatives perch ( Percomorphaceae ). The fish live in neritisch bays and reefs along the coast of southern Australia, north to New South Wales in depths from 5 to 65 meters. The species is monotypic in the genus Dinolestes and Dinolestidae family.

Features

The fish have a pike- like, elongated body, as the maximum length 50-84 inches specified. The scalation consists of cycloid scales and extends to the head and the base of the pelvic fins. The lateral line extends to the caudal fin. The number of scales along the lateral line organ is 64 to 67, the spine has a total of 27 vertebrae, of which 10 are in front of the anus. Both dorsal fins are widely spaced. The small first is supported by four to five hard jets, the second from a hard - and 18 to 19 soft rays. The anal fin is the second dorsal fin opposite symmetrical and is only a little longer. She has a hard and 26 soft rays.

In the mouth there are some enlarged fangs. Also Palatine bone ( palatine ) and vomer ( vomer ) are dentate.