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Steely greeneye (Chlorophthalmus chalybeius) — Chlorophthalmidae

Steely greeneye

Chlorophthalmus chalybeius
DD · Data Deficient

The Steely greeneye (Chlorophthalmus chalybeius) is a saltwater fish of the family Chlorophthalmidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The steely greeneye is a deepwater fish (Chlorophthalmidae) of the continental slope. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, steel-blue to silvery body with conspicuously large, iridescent green-glowing eyes and an adipose fin. As a bottom-oriented fish over soft deeper bottoms it snaps at small crustaceans, worms and small fish. Like many greeneyes it is a simultaneous hermaphrodite. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Steely greeneye?

The Steely greeneye has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Steely greeneye live?

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

How big does the Steely greeneye get?

The Steely greeneye grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Steely greeneye dangerous to humans?

No, the Steely greeneye is harmless to humans.

Is the Steely greeneye edible?

The Steely greeneye is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Staalblauwe groenoog sourced
English name
Steely greeneye sourced
Scientific name
Chlorophthalmus chalybeius
Family
Chlorophthalmidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
15 sourced
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Simultaneous hermaphrodite sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Chlorophthalmus

More from the family Chlorophthalmidae

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