Family DINOLESTIDAE

Dinolestidae

© Copyright Ros Poole.

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Introduction

The Dinolestidae comprise a single species, Dinolestes lewini, that is endemic to temperate Australia. It is found in harbours and near coastal reefs. Dinolestes lewini, the long-finned pike, was placed in its own family by Fraser (1971); previously the species was assigned to the family Apogonidae.

With a moderately elongate body and large mouth with canine teeth, the long-finned pike differs from cardinal fishes in having only one anal spine and 25–28 rays, 17–19 dorsal rays and an auxiliary scale at the pelvic base. Maximum size attained is about 50 cm. The species is of minor commercial importance, occasionally occurring in mixed catches in the markets.

General References

Fraser, T.H. 1971. The fish Dinolestes lewini with comments on its osteology and relationships. Japanese Journal of Ichthyology 18(4): 157-163 figs 1-8

Common Name References

Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Bathurst : Crawford House Press 437 pp. [162] (Longfin Pike)

Whitley, G.P. 1948. A list of the fishes of Western Australia. Western Australia Fish Department. Fisheries Bulletin 2: 1-35 map [19] (Long-finned Pike)

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