Fin's Fish Guide
The Pearlfish (Echiodon drummondii) is a saltwater fish of the family Carapidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
Description
Drummond's pearlfish is a slender, translucent and eel-like fish of the family Carapidae (pearlfishes) reaching about 30 cm. The pink to silvery body tapers to a point at the rear, with a continuous fin fringe and no pelvic fins. Pearlfishes are notorious for their lifestyle: many species live inside the body (for example the respiratory cavity) of sea cucumbers or other invertebrates. Drummond's pearlfish lives on and in sand and mud bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic, from the continental shelf to the slope. It hunts small crustaceans and invertebrates. The species develops through a remarkable, elongate larva with a long front fin ray (vexillum). Because of its hidden lifestyle it is rarely observed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pearlfish?
The Pearlfish has a snake-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, translucent and eel-shaped small fish with a body tapering to a point at the rear; relatives live inside the body of sea cucumbers.
Where does the Pearlfish live?
The Pearlfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Pearlfish get?
The Pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 30 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.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Pearlfish 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 Echiodon
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.