Animal Species:Longfin Pike, Dinolestes lewini (Griffith, 1834)
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.
Longfin Pike at Pebbly Bay
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Alternative Name/s
Jack Pike, Long-finned Pike, Long-finned Seapike, Pike, Skipjack Pike, Yellowfin Pike
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.
Size range
The species grows to 90 cm in length.
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.
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.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Longfin Pike specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Classification
- Species:
- lewini
- Genus:
- Dinolestes
- Family:
- Dinolestidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- 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.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
Mark McGrouther
, Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:
Tags fish, ichthyology, Dinolestes lewini, pelagic, Longfin Pike, Dinolestidae,
