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Slender ribbonfish (Trachipterus ishikawae) — Trachipteridae

Slender ribbonfish

Trachipterus ishikawae

The Slender ribbonfish (Trachipterus ishikawae) is a saltwater fish of the family Trachipteridae that grows up to 270 cm.

Length
270 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–1200.0 m
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South), Kuril Is.

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Description

The slender ribbonfish is a large, ribbon-shaped deep-sea fish (Trachipteridae) from the twilight zone of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 2.7 metres and has a strongly elongate, laterally compressed, shiny silver body with a tall, red dorsal fin and large eyes. As an open-water dweller it often hovers vertically in the water and hunts fish and squid. It is rarely seen and sometimes strands after storms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slender ribbonfish?

The Slender ribbonfish has a snake-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Slender ribbonfish live?

The Slender ribbonfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South), Kuril Is.

How big does the Slender ribbonfish get?

The Slender ribbonfish grows to a maximum of about 270 cm.

Is the Slender ribbonfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Slender ribbonfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Slender ribbonfish sourced
Scientific name
Trachipterus ishikawae
Family
Trachipteridae

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
270.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1200.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South), Kuril Is. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Trachipterus

More from the family Trachipteridae

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