Fin's Fish Guide
The Deal fish (Trachipterus trachypterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Trachipteridae that grows up to 300 cm.
Eastern Atlantic (western Mediterranean Sea, Morocco to Namibia and South Africa); western and southeastern Pacific.
Description
The Mediterranean dealfish is a rare, striking deep-sea fish of the family Trachipteridae that can reach up to 300 cm. The body is greatly elongated, ribbon-like and strongly compressed, with a bright silvery colour; only the front of the head and parts of the jaws are black, and a faint dark blotch marks the body. The species characteristically swims with its head held up. It lives bathypelagically in the Mediterranean, eastern Atlantic and Pacific, usually between 100 and 600 m, hunting squid and midwater fishes. Its eggs and larvae occur near the surface. The dealfish has no value as food.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Deal fish?
The Deal fish has a snake-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Rare, greatly elongated ribbon-shaped deep-sea fish with a silvery, strongly laterally flattened body; swims with the head upwards.
Where does the Deal fish live?
The Deal fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic (western Mediterranean Sea, Morocco to Namibia and South Africa); western and southeastern Pacific.
How big does the Deal fish get?
The Deal fish grows to a maximum of about 300 cm.
Is the Deal fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Deal fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Deal fish edible?
The Deal fish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Deal fish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trachipterus
More from the family Trachipteridae
Want the complete picture on the Deal fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Deal fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.