Fin's Fish Guide
The Bellowfish (Macroramphosus scolopax) is a saltwater fish of the family Centriscidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Worldwide in temperate and subtropical seas, including the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The longspine snipefish is a small, strikingly shaped fish of the family Centriscidae reaching about 20 cm. The deep, laterally compressed body is reddish to silver and tapers in front into a long, thin, tube-like snout with a small mouth at the tip, similar to that of a pipefish. A long, serrated spine stands in the dorsal fin. The species occurs worldwide in temperate and subtropical seas, including the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, often above the continental slope, where it forms schools. With its tubular snout it sucks up small bottom crustaceans and plankton. Because of its small size it has little commercial value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bellowfish?
The Bellowfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Small fish with a long, thin tube-shaped snout and a small mouth at the tip; carries a long, serrated spine in the dorsal fin.
Where does the Bellowfish live?
The Bellowfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Worldwide in temperate and subtropical seas, including the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Bellowfish get?
The Bellowfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Bellowfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bellowfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bellowfish edible?
The Bellowfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Macroramphosus
More from the family Centriscidae
Want the complete picture on the Bellowfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bellowfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.