Equetus lanceolatus
Jack-Knifefish
Maximum Size:
10 in (25 cm)
Longevity:
Unknown but likely around 5 years.
Typical depth:
33–197 ft (10–60 m)
Behavior:
This member of the drum family is typically found over sandy or muddy bottoms near reefs. It feeds mostly on small bottom-dwelling worms, crustaceans and even organic detritus. The jack-knifefish is highly recognizable by its long, tapered dorsal fin and its three dark bands. Its striking look has made it valuable in the aquarium trade.
Predators:
Sharks, eagle rays and large carnivorous fish.
Did you know?
The jack-knifefish was first discovered in 1758 in the Bahamas, and erroneously cataloged by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae as a species of butterflyfish found in Asia.
