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Okamura's cucumberfish (Paraulopus okamurai) — Paraulopidae

Okamura's cucumberfish

Paraulopus okamurai
Family: Paraulopidae

The Okamura's cucumberfish (Paraulopus okamurai) is a saltwater fish of the family Paraulopidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–478.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

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Description

Okamura's cucumberfish is a deepwater fish (Paraulopidae) of the continental slope in the western Pacific off Japan. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a slender, reddish body with large eyes, a pointed snout and an adipose fin. As a bottom-oriented fish of the dim deep water it searches over sand and mud for small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Okamura's cucumberfish?

The Okamura's cucumberfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Okamura's cucumberfish live?

The Okamura's cucumberfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

How big does the Okamura's cucumberfish get?

The Okamura's cucumberfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Okamura's cucumberfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Okamura's cucumberfish 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
Okamura's cucumberfish sourced
Scientific name
Paraulopus okamurai
Family
Paraulopidae
Other names
Piedtip cucumberfish; Magpie cucumberfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
20 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
478.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand 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

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 Paraulopus

More from the family Paraulopidae

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