Description:
Dorsal spines: 8; Dorsal rays: 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 14.
Body deep and compressed, the back more strongly arched than anterior part of belly. Mouth pointing downward when protracted. The lower jaw profile is slightly concave.
Second dorsal-fin spine distinctly elongate. Head and breast scaleless.
Colour. Body is silvery. The head and chest are silvery white. Flank has 10-15 broad grey to yellowish-brown vertical lines that extend ventrally to the lateral line where
they break into broad rounded yellowish dashes. There is a light yellow tint to the membrane of all fins, particularly the membrane between the anal-fin rays. The
pectoral fin axil and the base of the pectoral fin have a strong yellow colouration. The pelvic fins are white. There is little colouration in the caudal fin.
Size:
Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 21 cm TL, commonly to 17 cm TL.
Habitat and Ecology:
Inhabits coastal inshore waters over muddy bottoms may enter enclosed bays and estuaries (depth 20-50 m). Forms schools. Feeds on polychaetes, small crustaceans, and
small fish.
Fishery Status:
This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in net fisheries, where it is a regular and sometimes abundant component of the catch.
Notes:
References:
Chakrabarty, P. et al. (2009). REDISCRIPTION OF PONYFISHES (TELEOSTEI: LEIOGNATHIDAE) OF SRI LANKA AND THE STATUS OF AURIGEQUULA FOWLER 1918. Ceylon Journal of Science (Biological Sciences) · June 2009.
Fischer, W. & G. Bianchi (eds) (1984). FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean; (Fishing Area 51). Prepared and printed with the
support of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Rome, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, vols 1-6.
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2020). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Aurigequula-fasciata.html (01/05/20).
Larson, H. et al. (2017). Aurigequula fasciata. The IUCN Red List 2017: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T199622A56697395.en. (14/07/22).
Citation:
Nevill, J.E.G. (2020). Aurigequula fasciata, Striped ponyfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/aurigequula-fasciata-lacepede-1803/ (updated 14/07/22).