Animal Species:Barred Longtom, Ablennes hians (Valenciennes, 1846)

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.

Size range

The species grows to 1.2 m in length.

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.

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Barred Longtom specimens in the Australian Museums.

What does this mean?

Habitat

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

Classification

Species:

hians

Genus:

Ablennes

Family:

Belonidae

Order:

Beloniformes

Class:

Actinopterygii

Subphylum:

Vertebrata

Phylum:

Chordata

Kingdom:

Animalia

What does this mean?

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.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 15 April 2013

Tags Barred Longtom, Ablennes hians, tropical water, temperate water, marine, long and skinny, pointed teeth, ribbon-like body, blue, greenish blue, > 1m, subtropical water, oceanic water, Belonidae,