The longspine snipefish is a moderately elongate species with a tubular snout equal to about a quarter of the total body length. Towards the caudal fin the second spine of the dorsal fin is almost as long as the snout, and when folded flat overlooks the hind edge of the caudal fin. The rear edge of this spine is distinctly serrated. Due to the rigid body longspine snipefishes swim by undulating the soft dorsal and anal fins.

The colour is pink-red above, paler below.

They feed on bottom-living invertebrates, but may also pick individual animals from the plankton.

References

• Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand, (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8