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Natal jellynose (Ateleopus natalensis) — Ateleopodidae

Natal jellynose

Ateleopus natalensis
Family: Ateleopodidae

The Natal jellynose (Ateleopus natalensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Ateleopodidae that grows up to 60 cm.

Length
60 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
145.0–660.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Somalia, South Africa

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Description

The Natal jellynose is a jellynose fish (Ateleopodidae) of the continental slope in the western Indian Ocean off southern Africa. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a soft, gelatinous body with a large, round, jelly-filled snout, a long anal fin merging with the tail and small eyes. As a sluggish bottom-dweller of the deep water it snaps at small crustaceans and worms on soft bottoms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Natal jellynose?

The Natal jellynose has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly pink-purple.

Where does the Natal jellynose live?

The Natal jellynose lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Somalia, South Africa

How big does the Natal jellynose get?

The Natal jellynose grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.

Is the Natal jellynose dangerous to humans?

No, the Natal jellynose 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Natal jellynose sourced
Scientific name
Ateleopus natalensis
Family
Ateleopodidae
Other names
Jelly-head fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
60.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Pink / purple inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
145.0 verified
Max depth (m)
660.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Somalia, South Africa sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Ateleopus

More from the family Ateleopodidae

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