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Common veilfin (Metavelifer multiradiatus) — Veliferidae

Common veilfin

Metavelifer multiradiatus
Family: Veliferidae
LC · Least Concern

The Common veilfin (Metavelifer multiradiatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Veliferidae that grows up to 28 cm.

Length
28 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
40.0–240.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indo-Pacific, benthic on the continental shelf, the continental slope and seamounts.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Metavelifer multiradiatus is a remarkable marine fish (family Veliferidae) of the Indo-Pacific. The species reaches about 28 cm and has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with conspicuously high, foldable dorsal and anal fins bearing numerous rays. It is a benthic species occurring on the continental shelf, the continental slope and seamounts. Its diet consists of small zooplankton and small invertebrates. Because of its life in deeper waters the species is little studied. It is harmless to humans and of hardly any fishery value.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Common veilfin?

The Common veilfin has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep, flattened body with strikingly tall, folding dorsal and anal fins.

Where does the Common veilfin live?

The Common veilfin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Indo-Pacific, benthic on the continental shelf, the continental slope and seamounts.

How big does the Common veilfin get?

The Common veilfin grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.

Is the Common veilfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Common veilfin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Common veilfin edible?

The Common veilfin is not usually eaten.

More photos

Common veilfin (Metavelifer multiradiatus) — Veliferidae — 2
Zinzi Somana (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Common veilfin (Metavelifer multiradiatus) — Veliferidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Izuzuki (CC BY 4.0)
Common veilfin (Metavelifer multiradiatus) — Veliferidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Eight heads serpent (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common veilfin (Metavelifer multiradiatus) — Veliferidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) jaysond, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Common veilfin verified
Scientific name
Metavelifer multiradiatus
Family
Veliferidae
Other names
Spinyfin velifer; Veilfin; Velifer verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
28.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
40.0 verified
Max depth (m)
240.0 verified
Natural range
Indo-Pacific, benthic on the continental shelf, the continental slope and seamounts. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Deep, flattened body with strikingly tall, folding dorsal and anal fins. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Veliferidae

Sailfin velifer (Velifer hypselopterus) — Veliferidae
Sailfin velifer
Velifer hypselopterus
Veliferidae
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