Fin's Fish Guide
The Beardfish (Polymixia berndti) is a saltwater fish of the family Polymixiidae that grows up to 48 cm.
Description
Berndt's beardfish is a deep-water fish of the beardfish family (Polymixiidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 47 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with large eyes and, characteristic of beardfishes, a pair of long chin barbels under the throat. It lives benthically on sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental slope at considerable depth. With its barbels it probes the bottom for small crustaceans, worms, molluscs and small fishes. Beardfishes are an ancient fish group with features of both lower and higher fishes. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Beardfish?
The Beardfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. A pair of long chin barbels for probing the bottom; ancient fish group of the deep slope.
Where does the Beardfish live?
The Beardfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Indo-Pacific; sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental slope.
How big does the Beardfish get?
The Beardfish grows to a maximum of about 48 cm.
Is the Beardfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Beardfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Beardfish edible?
The Beardfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Polymixia
More from the family Polymixiidae
Want the complete picture on the Beardfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Beardfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.