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Rearfin wormfish (Microdesmus retropinnis) — Microdesmidae

Rearfin wormfish

Microdesmus retropinnis
Family: Microdesmidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Rearfin wormfish (Microdesmus retropinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Microdesmidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The wormfish is a wormfish (Microdesmidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a very elongate, worm-like body with a long, low dorsal and anal fin and small eyes, adapted to a burrowing life. It inhabits shallow coastal and intertidal waters, including rock pools, where it burrows in sand or mud. On the bottom it feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rearfin wormfish?

The Rearfin wormfish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Rearfin wormfish live?

The Rearfin wormfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Rearfin wormfish get?

The Rearfin wormfish grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Rearfin wormfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Rearfin wormfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Rearfin wormfish edible?

The Rearfin wormfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pacifische wormvis sourced
English name
Rearfin wormfish verified
Scientific name
Microdesmus retropinnis
Family
Microdesmidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Microdesmus

More from the family Microdesmidae

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