Fin's Fish Guide
The Fan-tailed rag-fish (Icosteus aenigmaticus) is a saltwater fish of the family Icosteidae that grows up to 213 cm.
Description
The ragfish is a peculiar fish from the northern Pacific. Adults grow to over 2 metres and have a flabby, scaleless body with a soft, largely cartilage-free skeleton, making the body feel like a rag. Juveniles look very different: they have pelvic fins and a blotched pattern that disappear in adults. It lives in the open water of the deep sea and eats jellyfish and other soft prey. The fish is harmless to humans and has not been evaluated by the IUCN (NE).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fan-tailed rag-fish?
The Fan-tailed rag-fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Limp, rag-like body with a soft skeleton; juveniles very different
Where does the Fan-tailed rag-fish live?
The Fan-tailed rag-fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North Pacific
How big does the Fan-tailed rag-fish get?
The Fan-tailed rag-fish grows to a maximum of about 213 cm.
Is the Fan-tailed rag-fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Fan-tailed rag-fish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Fan-tailed rag-fish edible?
The Fan-tailed rag-fish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Want the complete picture on the Fan-tailed rag-fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fan-tailed rag-fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.