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Baja flagfin (Aulopus bajacali) — Aulopidae

Baja flagfin

Aulopus bajacali
Family: Aulopidae

The Baja flagfin (Aulopus bajacali) is a saltwater fish of the family Aulopidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
21.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
82.0–230.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., Mexico, Cocos I. (C.R.)

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Description

The Baja flagfin is a flagfin (Aulopidae) from deeper coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, off Baja California. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, red-brown mottled body, large eyes, an adipose fin and, in males, a tall, colourful dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it perches propped on its pectoral fins on sand and gravel bottoms and darts out at small fish and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Baja flagfin?

The Baja flagfin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Baja flagfin live?

The Baja flagfin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., Mexico, Cocos I. (C.R.)

How big does the Baja flagfin get?

The Baja flagfin grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Baja flagfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Baja flagfin 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
Baja flagfin sourced
Scientific name
Aulopus bajacali
Family
Aulopidae
Other names
Eastern Pacific flagfin; Aulopus verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
21.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
82.0 verified
Max depth (m)
230.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., Mexico, Cocos I. (C.R.) sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
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 Aulopus

More from the family Aulopidae

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