Sixfinger threadfin
Polydactylus sexfilis
Name as used by FishBase. WoRMS gives Filistriatus sexfilis as the accepted name. Kept the FishBase name so records match the FishBase checklist.
- English
- Sixfinger threadfin
- Scientific
- Polydactylus sexfilis
- Dhivehi
- ކޭލަKeyla
- Group
- Reef fish
- Family
- Polynemidae (threadfins)
- Maximum size
- Up to about 61 cm (total length); max. published weight 3.2 kg (FishBase); MRS 1997 gives common to 20 cm; max. 30 cm
- Depth and habitat
- Coral reefs and reef-associated habitats, recorded from 1 to 50 m (usually 20 to 50 m); also enters brackish water
- IUCN status
- LC · Least ConcernLeast Concern (LC), assessed 2023
Description
A golden-silver threadfin with bronze lines along the scale rows, blackish pectoral fins and six long, free filaments below each pectoral fin that it uses to probe the sand. It schools along sandy and rocky shores and in turbulent surf zones, feeding on shrimps, crabs and worms.
In the Maldives
Dhivehi name keyla (MRS 1997). MRS notes it is common on shallow sandy shores in the Maldives. WoRMS now places this species in the genus Filistriatus.
Sources
- fishbase.se /summary/Polydactylus-sexfilis.html
- fao.org /4/AD471E/AD471E00.htm
- dv.wikipedia.org /wiki/ކޭލަ
- commons.wikimedia.org /wiki/File:Polydactylus_sexfilis_by_NPS.jpg
Dhivehi name source: M.R.S. (1997) Fishes of the Maldives (FAO/BOBP MAG/21) gives 'Keyla' (Latin form). Thaana from the Dhivehi Wikipedia article 'ކޭލަ' (derived from the MRS 1997 Dhivehi edition); it matches the Latin form. FishBase also lists 'Kela' under India (Minicoy/Lakshadweep Mahl dialect); not used.