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Sparse-rayed frostfish (Benthodesmus oligoradiatus) — Trichiuridae

Sparse-rayed frostfish

Benthodesmus oligoradiatus
Family: Trichiuridae

The Sparse-rayed frostfish (Benthodesmus oligoradiatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Trichiuridae that grows up to 51 cm.

Length
51 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–1000.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Sparse-rayed frostfish is a frostfish (Trichiuridae) from the deep, open water of the ocean. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a very elongate, ribbon-like, shiny silvery body with large eyes and a mouth full of sharp teeth. As a predator it makes daily vertical migrations and hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sparse-rayed frostfish?

The Sparse-rayed frostfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Sparse-rayed frostfish live?

The Sparse-rayed frostfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Sparse-rayed frostfish get?

The Sparse-rayed frostfish grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.

Is the Sparse-rayed frostfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Sparse-rayed frostfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Weinigstraal-haarstaartvis sourced
English name
Sparse-rayed frostfish sourced
Scientific name
Benthodesmus oligoradiatus
Family
Trichiuridae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
51.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1000.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Benthodesmus

More from the family Trichiuridae

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