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Silver horsehead (Branchiostegus argentatus) — Malacanthidae

Silver horsehead

Branchiostegus argentatus
Family: Malacanthidae

The Silver horsehead (Branchiostegus argentatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Malacanthidae that grows up to 27 cm.

Length
27.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
51.0–65.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The silver horsehead is a tilefish (Malacanthidae) from coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 27 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a high, steep forehead. As a bottom-dweller it digs burrows in sand and mud bottoms of the continental margin and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and small fish. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Silver horsehead?

The Silver horsehead has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Silver horsehead live?

The Silver horsehead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Silver horsehead get?

The Silver horsehead grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.

Is the Silver horsehead dangerous to humans?

No, the Silver horsehead is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zilveren tegelvis sourced
English name
Silver horsehead sourced
Scientific name
Branchiostegus argentatus
Family
Malacanthidae
Other names
Silver tilefish verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
51.0 verified
Max depth (m)
65.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Branchiostegus

More from the family Malacanthidae

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