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Blackrag (Psenes pellucidus) — Nomeidae

Blackrag

Psenes pellucidus
Family: Nomeidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blackrag (Psenes pellucidus) is a saltwater fish of the family Nomeidae that grows up to 80 cm.

Length
80 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–1000.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The bluefin driftfish is an oceanic fish of the driftfish family (Nomeidae). The species has a deep, silvery to dark body. Juveniles and subadults live pelagically in the open sea, often in the company of jellyfishes and floating weed patches, where they seek shelter; large adults may live benthically on the continental slope. It feeds on gelatinous plankton, small crustaceans and small fishes. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackrag?

The Blackrag has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Blackrag live?

The Blackrag lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Blackrag get?

The Blackrag grows to a maximum of about 80 cm.

Is the Blackrag dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackrag is harmless to humans.

Is the Blackrag edible?

The Blackrag is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwvin-drijfvis sourced
English name
Blackrag verified
Scientific name
Psenes pellucidus
Family
Nomeidae
Other names
Blackrag; Bluefin driftfish; Eyebrow verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
80.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Max depth (m)
1000.0 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

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Sportvissen met kunstaas of (dood/levend) aasvis door te trollen, te werpen of drijvend te vissen in open water. 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 Psenes

More from the family Nomeidae

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