Author: (Valenciennes, 1846)
Hirundichthvs speculiger (Valenciennes, 1846)
Status in World Register of Marine Species:
Accepted name: Hirundichthys speculiger (Valenciennes, 1847) (updated 2009-06-25)
Diagnosis: dorsal finrays 10-13; anal finrays 11-13 (the former with 0-2 less rays than the latter); pectoral finrays 16-19 (1 unbranched). Gillrakers 23-29 on first arch. Predorsal scales 28-32. Palatine teeth present. Colour: iridescent blue above, silvery below; pectoral fins grey with wide pale posterior margin and pale triangular crossband. Size: to 25 cm.
Habitat: epipelagic in oceanic waters. Food: no data. Reproduction: throughout the year in warm waters; eggs with bunch of short filaments opposed by a single long filament on opposite pole; juveniles without barbels.
Distribution: south of Madeira and one specimen from off the Netherlands. Elsewhere, worldwide in tropical waters.