Fin's Fish Guide
The Elephant fish (Callorhinchus milii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Callorhinchidae that grows up to 125 cm.
Southern Australia and New Zealand; continental shelf, breeds in estuaries.
Description
The Australian ghostshark or elephant fish is a chimaera of the family Callorhinchidae, a cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays, occurring around southern Australia and New Zealand. The species has a smooth, silvery body with a conspicuous trunk-like, hooked snout and can reach 125 cm. It lives on the continental shelf to at least 200 metres and migrates in spring into estuaries and bays to lay eggs in horny capsules. It feeds mainly on shellfish. The dorsal fin bears a sharp, venomous spine.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Elephant fish?
The Elephant fish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Trunk-like, curved snout and a sharp, venomous dorsal fin spine; cartilaginous fish related to sharks.
Where does the Elephant fish live?
The Elephant fish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Australia and New Zealand; continental shelf, breeds in estuaries.
How big does the Elephant fish get?
The Elephant fish grows to a maximum of about 125 cm. On average the species is around 75 cm.
Is the Elephant fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Elephant fish is harmless to humans. The dorsal-fin spine is venomous and can give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Elephant fish edible?
Yes, the Elephant fish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Callorhinchus
More from the family Callorhinchidae
Want the complete picture on the Elephant fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Elephant fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.