Fin's Fish Guide
The Rabbit fish (Chimaera monstrosa) is a saltwater fish of the family Chimaeridae that grows up to 150 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, along the continental shelf and the slope in deeper water.
Description
The rabbit fish is a deep-sea cartilaginous fish of the family Chimaeridae, related to sharks and rays, reaching about 150 cm including its long tail. The large head bears grinding tooth plates instead of separate teeth, huge green eyes and, in males, a striking hook-shaped appendage on the head. The brownish mottled body tapers into a thin, whip-like tail, and a venomous spine stands in front of the first dorsal fin. The species lives along the continental shelf and slope of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. With its tooth plates it crushes shellfish, crustaceans and echinoderms from the bottom. It lays large eggs encased in a horny capsule. Due to deep-sea fishing the species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rabbit fish?
The Rabbit fish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Cartilaginous fish related to the sharks; large head with gnawing tooth plates, enormous green eyes, a whip-shaped tail and a venomous spine in front of the first dorsal fin.
Where does the Rabbit fish live?
The Rabbit fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, along the continental shelf and the slope in deeper water.
How big does the Rabbit fish get?
The Rabbit fish grows to a maximum of about 150 cm.
Is the Rabbit fish dangerous to humans?
The Rabbit fish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The spine in front of the first dorsal fin is venomous and can give a painful wound; do not grasp the fish by the back and seek medical help if pain or swelling is severe.
Is the Rabbit fish edible?
The Rabbit fish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chimaera
More from the family Chimaeridae
Want the complete picture on the Rabbit fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rabbit fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.