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Pyramid pearlfish (Pyramodon ventralis) — Carapidae

Pyramid pearlfish

Pyramodon ventralis
Family: Carapidae

The Pyramid pearlfish (Pyramodon ventralis) is a saltwater fish of the family Carapidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
184.0–470.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The pyramid pearlfish is a pearlfish (Carapidae) from deeper coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a very slender, tapering, translucent body with a continuous fin margin and pyramid-shaped teeth. Some pearlfishes live inside the bodies of sea cucumbers; this species lives free near the bottom. It snaps at small crustaceans and invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pyramid pearlfish?

The Pyramid pearlfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Pyramid pearlfish live?

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

How big does the Pyramid pearlfish get?

The Pyramid pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Pyramid pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Pyramid pearlfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Doorschijnende parelvis sourced
English name
Pyramid pearlfish sourced
Scientific name
Pyramodon ventralis
Family
Carapidae
Other names
Cusk-eel; Pallid pearlfish; Pearlfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
184.0 verified
Max depth (m)
470.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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 verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Carapidae

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