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ExploreFish

Spottail pinfish

Diplodus holbrookii

The Spottail pinfish is a small fish with a shiny body and spots on its tail. It loves to swim in warm waters and is often found near coral reefs, making it a fun fish to spot while snorkeling!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Spottail pinfish has a shiny, silvery body that is compressed from side to side, and a large eye. Its most distinct feature is a prominent black spot found right at the base of its tail fin.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderPerciformesFamilySparidaeGenusDiplodus

Category

Fish

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

1

Interesting facts

Baby pinfish often hide in seagrass beds, using them as safe nurseries to grow big.

Did you know Spottail pinfish can act like cleaners, nibbling parasites off larger fish?

Spottail pinfish are important snack food for many bigger fish, birds, and even dolphins!

They are super adaptable, living comfortably in both salty ocean water and slightly less salty estuaries!

Special abilities

Ability

Spotlight Escape

Spottail pinfish have a distinct black spot at their tail base that can confuse predators about which way the fish will dart.

Ability

Scraper Jaws

Spottail pinfish can use their strong jaws and incisor-like teeth to scrape algae and small invertebrates off rocks and seagrass.

Ability

Spiny Shield

Spottail pinfish have sharp dorsal and anal fin spines that help protect them from hungry predators when they feel threatened.

Measurements & details

Length
15-30 cm
Weight
0.1-1 kg
Lifespan
3-7 years
Swim Speed
20 km/h
Maximum Depth
30 m
Water Type
Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

Spottail pinfish are omnivores, eating both plants and small animals they find on the seafloor.

Age differences: Juveniles may eat more small invertebrates; adults consume more plant matter.

Primary Foods

  • algae
  • seagrass
  • small crustaceans
  • worms
  • detritus

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always be careful around water and ask an adult before swimming.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Spottail pinfish?

Look at body shape, where the fins sit and their outline, mouth position, stripes and spots. Young fish and breeding adults can wear different patterns, and aquarium color varieties can look nothing like wild fish. Fish Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Spottail pinfish?

15-30 cm

How much does Spottail pinfish weigh?

0.1-1 kg

How long does Spottail pinfish live?

3-7 years

What does Spottail pinfish eat?

Spottail pinfish are omnivores, eating both plants and small animals they find on the seafloor.

How fast can Spottail pinfish swim?

20 km/h

Where is Spottail pinfish usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Spottail pinfish hunt?

Foraging

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