Fin's Fish Guide
The African bandfish (Cepola pauciradiata) is a saltwater fish of the family Cepolidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, in vertical burrows in soft bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The African bandfish is an elongate, ribbon-shaped fish of the family Cepolidae (bandfishes) reaching about 70 cm. The strongly compressed, red-orange body has large eyes and a long, continuous dorsal and anal fin that runs like a fringe around the rear body. The species digs a vertical burrow in soft bottoms of the continental shelf along the West African coast. With its tail in the burrow it sticks its upper body into the current to snap zooplankton, such as small crustaceans and larvae, from the water; when threatened it withdraws into the burrow in a flash. Because of its hidden lifestyle it is only rarely seen and has little fishery value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African bandfish?
The African bandfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Elongate, ribbon-shaped red-orange fish with large eyes and a long, continuous dorsal and anal fin; lives in a vertical burrow in the bottom.
Where does the African bandfish live?
The African bandfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, in vertical burrows in soft bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the African bandfish get?
The African bandfish grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.
Is the African bandfish dangerous to humans?
No, the African bandfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African bandfish edible?
The African bandfish is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the African bandfish?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cepola
More from the family Cepolidae
Want the complete picture on the African bandfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African bandfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.