Fin's Fish Guide
The Pearlfish (Carapus bermudensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Carapidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Western Atlantic and the Caribbean, near sand and seagrass bottoms with sea cucumbers.
Description
The pearlfish is a slender, translucent fish of the family Carapidae (pearlfishes) reaching about 20 cm. The rearward-tapering, scaleless body lacks pelvic fins and has the anus set far forward, just behind the head. By day the fish shelters tail-first inside the body cavity of a living sea cucumber, which it enters through the anus - a remarkable hideout. At night it emerges to hunt small crustaceans; it sometimes eats the host's internal organs, which the sea cucumber regrows. The species lives near sand and seagrass bottoms of the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. Because of its hidden lifestyle it is only rarely seen.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pearlfish?
The Pearlfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, translucent small fish tapering towards the tail and without pelvic fins that shelters during the day inside the body of a sea cucumber.
Where does the Pearlfish live?
The Pearlfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic and the Caribbean, near sand and seagrass bottoms with sea cucumbers.
How big does the Pearlfish get?
The Pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Pearlfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Pearlfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pearlfish edible?
The Pearlfish is not usually eaten.
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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 Pearlfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pearlfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.