Ariomma indica (Day, 1871)
Indian driftfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Ariommatidae (Ariommatids)
Max. size:  25 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 20 - 300 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: South Africa to the Persian Gulf east to the Indo-Malayan region up to Moala, Fiji, and north to Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 13-15. Silvery with purple tinge. Fins grayish.
Biology:  Occurs in small schools in areas with muddy substrates on the continental shelf and upper slope. Feeds mainly on zooplankton. Appears to be pelagic at night and demersal by day and may migrate seasonally. Marketed fresh or dried-salted (Ref. 3300).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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