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Opal manefish (Platyberyx opalescens) — Caristiidae

Opal manefish

Platyberyx opalescens
Family: Caristiidae

The Opal manefish (Platyberyx opalescens) is a saltwater fish of the family Caristiidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
13.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–2000.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Europe: Iceland, Portugal, Madeira Is., Azores Is.

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Description

The opal manefish is a deep-sea fish (Caristiidae) from the twilight and deep sea of the open ocean. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, dark body with a conspicuously high, mane- or sail-like dorsal fin starting far forward. It lives in the deep water column and is thought, like some relatives, to feed partly on the stinging cells of siphonophores. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Opal manefish?

The Opal manefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly black.

Where does the Opal manefish live?

The Opal manefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Europe: Iceland, Portugal, Madeira Is., Azores Is.

How big does the Opal manefish get?

The Opal manefish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Opal manefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Opal manefish 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.

More photos

Opal manefish (Platyberyx opalescens) — Caristiidae — 2
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Opal manefish (Platyberyx opalescens) — Caristiidae — 3
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ
Opal manefish (Platyberyx opalescens) — Caristiidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Emma Kissling (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Opal manefish sourced
Scientific name
Platyberyx opalescens
Family
Caristiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.9 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
2000.0 verified
Natural range
Europe: Iceland, Portugal, Madeira Is., Azores Is. 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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

More from the family Caristiidae

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