Barred Longtom, Ablennes hians (Valenciennes, 1846)

Scientific name: Ablennes hians
Ablennes hians Click to enlarge image
An 86cm long Barred Longtom caught on hook and line by A. Hawkins, Gnarloo Station, southern end of Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, June 1987. Image: J.B Hutchins
© J.B Hutchins

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Ablennes
    Species
    hians
    Family
    Belonidae
    Order
    Beloniformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 1.2 m in length.

Introduction

The Barred Longtom is found in most tropical and temperate marine waters. It has long thin jaws with relatively large, pointed teeth.

Identification

The Barred Longtom has long thin jaws with relatively large, pointed teeth. The thin, ribbon-like body is deep blue to greenish-blue above. The sides are silvery with dark bars that are most obvious posteriorly.

Habitat

Adults are usually found in oceanic waters. Young fish sometimes enter bays and inlets.

Distribution

It is found worldwide in tropical and subtropical marine waters.

In Australia it is known from south-western Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to the central coast of New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
  3. Grant, E.M. 1982. Guide to Fishes. The Department of Harbours and Marine, Brisbane, Queensland. Pp. 896.
  4. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.