Fin's Fish Guide
The Boarfish (Capros aper) is a saltwater fish of the family Caproidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, above the continental slope.
Description
The boarfish is a small, strikingly shaped fish of the family Caproidae reaching about 30 cm but usually smaller. The strongly compressed, deep body is reddish to orange with large eyes and spines in the dorsal fin. Characteristic is the far-protrusible mouth, which can shoot forward like a small snout to suck up prey, giving the species its name. The boarfish lives above the continental slope of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, usually between tens and hundreds of metres, where it forms large schools. It feeds on small zooplankton. Because of its small size it has little direct use, though it is locally processed into fishmeal.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Boarfish?
The Boarfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Strongly flattened, deep and reddish little body with large eyes and a highly protrusible mouth that shoots forward like a snout.
Where does the Boarfish live?
The Boarfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, above the continental slope.
How big does the Boarfish get?
The Boarfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.
Is the Boarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Boarfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Boarfish edible?
The Boarfish is rarely eaten.
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More from the family Caproidae
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