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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

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.

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.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Opaal-manenvis sourced
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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Caristiidae

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