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  • EnglishName: Rainbow runner
  • Local Name : Maaniyaa mas
  • Size : Common to 80 cm; max. 1.2 m
  • Family: Order : Specimen
  • Distinctive Characters: First dorsal fin with 6 spines, second dorsal fin with 1 spine and 25-30 rays (including finlets). Anal fin with only 2 spines, the first slightly detached from the rest of fin and covered by skin in larger individuals. The second spine continues with 18-20 rays (including finlets). Elongate, fusiform and slightly compressed body. No scutes on lateral line. Caudal fin deeply forked.
    Colour: Body deep blue above, light pink to white below. Three broad longitudinal olive to yellowish bands on body, middle one running from snout through eye to caudal peduncle.
  • Habitat and Biology: A pelagic species, usually found at or near the surface and close to reefs near oceanic islands. Forms small schools. Feeds on invertebrates and small fish.
  • Distribution: Circumtropical.
  • Remarks: Elagatis bipinnulata is sometimes associated with schools of K. pelamis (Skipjack tuna) and
    young T. albacares (Yellowfin tuna), and often caught in pole and line fishing as a by-catch.