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Atlantic beardfish (Polymixia nobilis) — Polymixiidae

Atlantic beardfish

Polymixia nobilis
Family: Polymixiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Atlantic beardfish (Polymixia nobilis) is a saltwater fish of the family Polymixiidae that grows up to 48 cm.

Length
48 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
100.0–770.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The stout beardfish is a beardfish (Polymixiidae) from the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The species has a silvery body with a high forebody and a pair of long barbels under the chin, from which the group gets its name. It lives near the bottom on semi-hard and soft bottoms of the continental shelf and slope. With its barbels it seeks small fishes, crustaceans and other bottom invertebrates. It is a food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Atlantic beardfish?

The Atlantic beardfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Atlantic beardfish live?

The Atlantic beardfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Atlantic beardfish get?

The Atlantic beardfish grows to a maximum of about 48 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Atlantic beardfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Atlantic beardfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Atlantic beardfish edible?

Yes, the Atlantic beardfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Edele baarddiepzeevis sourced
English name
Atlantic beardfish verified
Scientific name
Polymixia nobilis
Family
Polymixiidae
Other names
Barbudo; Beardfish; Salmonete; Stout beardfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
48.0 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
100.0 verified
Max depth (m)
770.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
14.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Polymixia

More from the family Polymixiidae

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