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Bigeye cardinalfish (Epigonus pectinifer) — Epigonidae

Bigeye cardinalfish

Epigonus pectinifer
Family: Epigonidae

The Bigeye cardinalfish (Epigonus pectinifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Epigonidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
100.0–1200.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia, Japan, Mexico

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Description

The Bigeye cardinalfish is a deepwater cardinalfish (Epigonidae) of the continental slope in the deep Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey to dark body with conspicuously large eyes adapted to the dim deep water, and two dorsal fins. As a bottom-oriented fish of deeper water it snaps at small crustaceans, small fish and zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bigeye cardinalfish?

The Bigeye cardinalfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Bigeye cardinalfish live?

The Bigeye cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Indonesia, Japan, Mexico

How big does the Bigeye cardinalfish get?

The Bigeye cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Bigeye cardinalfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bigeye cardinalfish 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
Bigeye cardinalfish sourced
Scientific name
Epigonus pectinifer
Family
Epigonidae
Other names
Cardinal fish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
100.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1200.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia, Japan, Mexico 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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Epigonus

More from the family Epigonidae

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