Strongylura krefftii (Günther, 1866)
Long tom

Family:  Belonidae (Needlefishes)
Max. size:  85 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater; brackish; depth range - 0 m
Distribution:  Asia and Oceania: New Guinea and Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18; Anal soft rays: 19-20
Biology:  Inhabits still or flowing rivers, from tidal reaches to far inland. Also found in some impoundments (Lake Argyle,WA). Often shelters among overhanging vegetation or submerged roots. Adults are infrequently found in coastal marine waters (Ref. 44894). Occurs in larger streams. Surface-dwelling predator of small fishes, insects (Ref. 205, 44894) and crustaceans (Ref. 44894). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Spawning is believed to occur sometimes between September and December. The presence of juveniles well inland and in impoundments suggests that it may spawn in freshwater (Ref. 44894). Eggs may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 February 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic
Country info:   
 


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