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Atlantic beardfish (Polymixia nobilis) — Polymixiidae

Atlantic beardfish

Polymixia nobilis
Family: Polymixiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Atlantic beardfish (Polymixia nobilis) is a saltwater fish of the family Polymixiidae that grows up to 48 cm.

Length
48 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
100–770 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Atlantic Ocean; continental shelf and slope.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The stout beardfish is a beardfish (Polymixiidae) from the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The species has a silvery body with a high forebody and a pair of long barbels under the chin, from which the group gets its name. It lives near the bottom on semi-hard and soft bottoms of the continental shelf and slope. With its barbels it seeks small fishes, crustaceans and other bottom invertebrates. It is a food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Atlantic beardfish?

The Atlantic beardfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. A pair of long chin barbels; bottom-foraging deep-sea fish of shelf and slope.

Where does the Atlantic beardfish live?

The Atlantic beardfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Atlantic Ocean; continental shelf and slope.

How big does the Atlantic beardfish get?

The Atlantic beardfish grows to a maximum of about 48 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Atlantic beardfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Atlantic beardfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Atlantic beardfish edible?

Yes, the Atlantic beardfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Atlantic beardfish (Polymixia nobilis) — Polymixiidae — 2
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ
Atlantic beardfish (Polymixia nobilis) — Polymixiidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — R. Mintern (Public domain)

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All data

Identification

English name
Atlantic beardfish verified
Scientific name
Polymixia nobilis
Family
Polymixiidae
Other names
Barbudo; Beardfish; Salmonete; Stout beardfish; Stout Beardflsh verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
48 verified
Average length (cm)
30 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
100 verified
Max depth (m)
770 verified
Natural range
Atlantic Ocean; continental shelf and slope.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and other benthic invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Max. age (years)
14 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
A pair of long chin barbels; bottom-foraging deep-sea fish of shelf and slope. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Polymixia

More from the family Polymixiidae

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