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Anchor pearlfish (Echiodon anchipterus) — Carapidae

Anchor pearlfish

Echiodon anchipterus
Family: Carapidae

The Anchor pearlfish (Echiodon anchipterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Carapidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–79.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, Japan, Philippines

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Description

The anchor pearlfish is a pearlfish (Carapidae) of soft bottoms of the continental slope in the Atlantic. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a very slender, translucent body tapering to the tail without pelvic fins and with the anus set far forward under the throat. Many pearlfishes live hidden in or near bottom invertebrates; as a nocturnal fish it snaps at small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Anchor pearlfish?

The Anchor pearlfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Anchor pearlfish live?

The Anchor pearlfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, Japan, Philippines

How big does the Anchor pearlfish get?

The Anchor pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Anchor pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Anchor pearlfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Anchor pearlfish sourced
Scientific name
Echiodon anchipterus
Family
Carapidae
Other names
Closefin pearlfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
79.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, Japan, Philippines sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Echiodon

More from the family Carapidae

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