Nuchequula blochii (Valenciennes, 1835)
Twoblotch ponyfish
Nuchequula blochii
photo by FAO

Family:  Leiognathidae (Slimys, slipmouths, or ponyfishes), subfamily: Gazzinae
Max. size:  10.75 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 40 m, amphidromous
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: known only from Pakistan, India, and Thailand.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 14-14. This species is distinguished by having the following set of characters: fully scaled breast; naked cheek; anteroventral profile of lower jaw is almost straight; a distinct, jet-black blotch distally on the spinous dorsal fin (Ref. 74926).
Biology:  Found on shallow waters near the bottom. Young enter brackish waters (Ref. 4833). Feeds mainly on small crustaceans, foraminiferans and nematodes. Sold fresh and dried salted in markets, also used for fishmeal.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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