Fin's Fish Guide
The Pearl fish (Carapus acus) is a saltwater fish of the family Carapidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, presumably southwards to Ascension.
Description
The pearlfish is a remarkable, eel-like fish of the family Carapidae reaching about 21 cm. The body is slender, laterally compressed and largely transparent. Most striking is its way of life: the pearlfish lives commensally inside the gut cavity of sea cucumbers, especially Holothuria tubulosa and Stichopus regalis, protruding at night or leaving the host to forage on small fish and benthic invertebrates. The species occurs in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean to about 150 m. Its eggs are planktonic. The pearlfish has no value as food but is of great biological interest for its unusual host relationship.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pearl fish?
The Pearl fish has a snake-like body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern. Eel-shaped, translucent little fish that lives as a commensal in the gut of sea cucumbers and comes out at night to forage.
Where does the Pearl fish live?
The Pearl fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, presumably southwards to Ascension.
How big does the Pearl fish get?
The Pearl fish grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.
Is the Pearl fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Pearl fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pearl fish edible?
The Pearl fish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Pearl fish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Carapus
More from the family Carapidae
Want the complete picture on the Pearl fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pearl fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.