Fin's Fish Guide
The Elephant fish (Callorhinchus callorynchus) is a saltwater fish of the family Callorhinchidae that grows up to 89 cm.
Southeast Pacific and southwest Atlantic; continental shelf around southern South America.
Description
The American elephantfish is a chimaera (cartilaginous fish of the family Callorhinchidae) from the south-eastern Pacific and south-western Atlantic around southern South America. The species grows to about 89 cm and has a smooth, silvery body with a conspicuous trunk-like, hooked snout. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and migrates in the breeding season to shallower coastal waters to lay eggs in horny egg cases. It feeds mainly on shellfish and benthic invertebrates. The dorsal fin bears a sharp, venomous spine. Owing to fishing the species is listed as Vulnerable (VU).
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; vulnerable cartilaginous fish.
Where does the Elephant fish live?
The Elephant fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Pacific and southwest Atlantic; continental shelf around southern South America.
How big does the Elephant fish get?
The Elephant fish grows to a maximum of about 89 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.
Is the Elephant fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Elephant fish is harmless to humans. The fin spine(s) are venomous and 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.
More photos
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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.