Latin name

Drepane longimana

Other name

Banded sicklefish

Identification

The Concertina Fisha has an oval, highly compressed body with a depth of 120-130% of its standard length. The snout has a straight or concave profile, without scales on the snout, cheeks and preoperculum. The lower edge of the preoperculum is serrate. The chin has a fringe of pinnate projections. The mouth is strongly protruding and forms a tube with the abdomen when expanded. 

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin is supported by 7 to 9, usually 8, spines and 19 to 23 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 17 to 19 soft rays. In larger individuals, the caudal fin is rounded or nearly truncated. The long pectoral fins are sickle-shaped and extend to the caudal process. 

Fish colouring

Head and body silver with 4 to 10 bars, with almost vertical dark stripes on upper body from head to caudal fin. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins are dark with darker edges. The soft radial part of the dorsal fins has 2 or 3 rows of dark spots on the fin webs between the rays.

Distribution

Occurs in the Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and east coast of Africa eastward to New Guinea and northern Australia and northward to Taiwan and Japan. 

Habitat

Tropical marine benthopelagic amphidromous species that prefers brackish water. Habitat depth range 26-85 m in coastal areas on sandy and muddy surfaces of reefs, harbors and estuaries.

Size

Maximum published total length for this species is 50 cm, although 20 cm is more typical. Maximum reported weight: 2.9 kg.

Behavior

This species is thought to migrate to deeper waters during the winter season.

Food and feeding habits

The main food is benthic and benthic invertebrates. 

Reproduction

Concertina fish nest near shore in spring.

Fishing

This species is not commercially important.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. The flesh of these fish is edible, but not prized.