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Whitefin wolf-herring (Chirocentrus nudus) — Chirocentridae

Whitefin wolf-herring

Chirocentrus nudus

The Whitefin wolf-herring (Chirocentrus nudus) is a saltwater fish of the family Chirocentridae that grows up to 100 cm.

Length
100 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–150.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Highly prized

Description

The whitefin wolf-herring is a large, slender predatory herring (Chirocentridae) from coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 1 metre and has a strongly elongate, laterally compressed, bright-silvery body with large, dagger-like fangs. As a fast open-water predator it hunts small fish and crustaceans. It is a food fish; when handled the sharp teeth call for caution. The fish poses no danger to swimmers.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Whitefin wolf-herring?

The Whitefin wolf-herring has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Whitefin wolf-herring live?

The Whitefin wolf-herring lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Whitefin wolf-herring get?

The Whitefin wolf-herring grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.

Is the Whitefin wolf-herring dangerous to humans?

No, the Whitefin wolf-herring is harmless to humans.

Is the Whitefin wolf-herring edible?

Yes, the Whitefin wolf-herring is a highly prized food fish.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kaalwang-wolfharing sourced
English name
Whitefin wolf-herring sourced
Scientific name
Chirocentrus nudus
Family
Chirocentridae
Other names
Silver bar; Smooth wolf herring; Tenpounder; Whitefin wolf herring verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
100.0 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)
150.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Highly prized inferred
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 Chirocentrus

More from the family Chirocentridae

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