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Pacific Pearlfish (Carapus dubius) — Carapidae

Pacific Pearlfish

Carapus dubius
Family: Carapidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Pacific Pearlfish (Carapus dubius) is a saltwater fish of the family Carapidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–79.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Pacific pearlfish is a pearlfish (Carapidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a translucent, eel-shaped body that tapers to the rear and has no tail fin in the ordinary sense. It lives as a lodger in the body cavity of bivalves such as pearl shells and pen shells, where it finds shelter. Mainly at night it leaves its host to hunt small crustaceans and other small food. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pacific Pearlfish?

The Pacific Pearlfish has a snake-like body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Pacific Pearlfish live?

The Pacific Pearlfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Pacific Pearlfish get?

The Pacific Pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.

Is the Pacific Pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Pacific Pearlfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Pacific Pearlfish edible?

The Pacific Pearlfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pacifische parelvis sourced
English name
Pacific Pearlfish verified
Scientific name
Carapus dubius
Family
Carapidae
Other names
Pacific pearlfish; Pearlfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Average length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
79.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Carapus

More from the family Carapidae

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