A tiny family of just one species, only found in Australia! The Longfin Pikes (Dinolestidae) contain the species Dinolestes lewini featured here.
|
There are multiple descriptions and classifications for this species of fish. It is confusing - some have classed it within the family of Sphyraenidae (Barracuda), others have classed it within the genus Esox (European pikes) and others have classed it in the family Apogonidae (Cardinalfish). However, due to only having one anal fin spine and a greater number of soft rays in its dorsal and anal fins it has been classed separately from them in 1872 into the family Dinolestidae (Longfin Pikes). In the diagram in this page there is an illustration to try and show the differences.
They are a carnivorous predatory species with a protruding lower jaw and single row of teeth in both jaws. |
|
Longfin Pike (Dinolestes lewini)
Longfin Pike (Dinolestes lewini)
Longfin Pike (Dinolestes lewini)