Threadfin
The Threadfin in this photo is either a Barbu or a Littlescale Threadfin.
| Name: | Threadfin |
| Scientific Name: | Polynemidae sp. |
| Family: | Threadfins |
| Taxonomic: | Polynemidae |
| ID Group: | Silvery Fishes |
| Size: | up to 18 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen very rarely |
| Similar Species: | Littlescale Threadfin, Barbu Threadfin |
The Threadfin has long whisker-like rays under its pectoral fins. It has a translucent snout and large eyes covered with a fatty layer. The body is silvery with black-edged fins and a forked tail.
Threadfins can be seen in the shallows near sandy beaches. They often move in groups and use their long fin rays to search the bottom for food. Threadfins are hard to identify visually. On Bonaire, these could be Littlescale Threadfin or, less likely, Barbu Threadfin.