The body length of black-tailed hook fish is usually about 8 to 9 cm, and the maximum length may reach 60 cm. However, this is not normal. The body length of most black-tailed hook fish is between 6- 10cm.

The life span of black-tailed hook fish is generally between 2 and 3 years, and it can live to about 4 years in artificial environment. Therefore, although the body length of the black-tailed hook fish can reach 60 cm, this does not mean that the life span will be extended accordingly.