Home · Trichiuridae · Sparse-rayed frostfish
Sparse-rayed frostfish (Benthodesmus oligoradiatus) — Trichiuridae

Sparse-rayed frostfish

Benthodesmus oligoradiatus
Family: Trichiuridae

The Sparse-rayed frostfish (Benthodesmus oligoradiatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Trichiuridae that grows up to 51 cm.

Length
51 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–1,000 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Maldives, Somalia

Want the complete picture on the Sparse-rayed frostfish?

Description

The Sparse-rayed frostfish is a frostfish (Trichiuridae) from the deep, open water of the ocean. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a very elongate, ribbon-like, shiny silvery body with large eyes and a mouth full of sharp teeth. As a predator it makes daily vertical migrations and hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sparse-rayed frostfish?

The Sparse-rayed frostfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Sparse-rayed frostfish live?

The Sparse-rayed frostfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Maldives, Somalia

How big does the Sparse-rayed frostfish get?

The Sparse-rayed frostfish grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.

Is the Sparse-rayed frostfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Sparse-rayed frostfish 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.

Want the complete picture on the Sparse-rayed frostfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sparse-rayed frostfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

All data

Identification

English name
Sparse-rayed frostfish sourced
Scientific name
Benthodesmus oligoradiatus
Family
Trichiuridae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
51 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
1,000 verified
Natural range
Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Maldives, Somalia sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

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

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 Benthodesmus

More from the family Trichiuridae

Want the complete picture on the Sparse-rayed frostfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sparse-rayed frostfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Is this the Sparse-rayed frostfish?