Fin's Fish Guide
The Pinhead pearlfish (Encheliophis boraborensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Carapidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The pinhead pearlfish is a remarkable pearlfish from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a slender, rearward-tapering, partly translucent body without pelvic fins. Remarkably, it lives as a lodger inside the body cavity of sea cucumbers: it slips in through the anus and uses the sea cucumber as shelter, sometimes at its host's expense. It feeds on small zooplankton and tissue particles. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pinhead pearlfish?
The Pinhead pearlfish has a snake-like body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern. Lives as a resident in sea cucumbers; slips inside through the anus
Where does the Pinhead pearlfish live?
The Pinhead pearlfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Pinhead pearlfish get?
The Pinhead pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Pinhead pearlfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Pinhead pearlfish 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.
Is the Pinhead pearlfish edible?
The Pinhead pearlfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Encheliophis
More from the family Carapidae
Want the complete picture on the Pinhead pearlfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pinhead pearlfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.