Polydactylus macrochir (Günther, 1867)
King threadfin
Polydactylus macrochir
photo by Cook, D.C.

Family:  Polynemidae (Threadfins)
Max. size:  170 cm FL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 45 kg; max. reported age: 20 years
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 6 m, catadromous
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: southern New Guinea and northern Australia.
Diagnosis:  Body without spots nor stripes. Pectoral fin rays unbranched; 4th pectoral filament long, 40-53% of SL. Second spine of dorsal fin more robust than the rest. Posterior margin of maxilla extending considerably beyond level of posterior margin of adipose eyelid. Lower tip of 7th proximal pterygiophore of 1st dorsal fin directed backward. Lateral squamation on caudal fin unbranched (Ref. 40970).
Biology:  Found in shallow, turbid waters coastal waters, estuaries, mangrove creeks, and mangrove-lined rivers (Ref. 57343), over sandbanks and mud substrates (Ref. 6390). Usually forms loose schools, although larger fish are more often observed in pairs or singly (Ref. 6390). Feeds on prawns and fish. Protandrous hermaphrodites.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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