Longfin Pike, Dinolestes lewini (Griffith, 1834)

Scientific name: Dinolestes lewini
Alternative name/s:
Jack Pike, Long-finned Pike, Long-finned Seapike, Pike, Skipjack Pike, Yellowfin Pike
Similar species:
The Longfin Pike could be confused with barracudas. The distinguishing features are the long-based dorsal and anal fins of the Long-finned Pike.
long-finned pike Click to enlarge image
A Longfin Pike at a depth of 13 m, Pebbly Bay, Montague Island, New South Wales, January 2000. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Dinolestes
    Species
    lewini
    Family
    Dinolestidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 90 cm in length.

Introduction

The Long-finned Pike has an elongate, cylindrical body, large eyes and a large mouth. The species is endemic to temperate marine waters of southern Australia.

Identification

The Longfin Pike has an elongate, cylindrical body. It has a pointed snout, large eyes and a large mouth. The species is yellowish-brown above and silvery below.

Distribution

The Longfin Pike is endemic to temperate marine waters of southern Australia. It is known from the central coast of New South Wales, around the south of the country, including Tasmania, and north to south-western Western Australia.

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. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. Glover, C.J.M. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
  3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.