Fin's Fish Guide
The Creole-fish (Paranthias furcifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Eastern and western Atlantic; coral reefs and hard bottoms of warm coastal waters.
Description
The creole-fish (Paranthias furcifer) is a reef bass of the Atlantic, in the east at Ascension and the Gulf of Guinea islands, and in the west from Bermuda and Florida through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean to Brazil. It grows to 30 centimetres and lives on coral reefs and hard bottoms, usually at 10-66 metres. Head and body are reddish brown with a bright orange spot at the pectoral-fin base, three white spots along the back and two blue lines on the cheek. The fish forms large feeding schools that hunt zooplankton in midwater. The species is harmless and is fished.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Creole-fish?
The Creole-fish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Bright orange blotch at the base of the pectoral fin, three white blotches on the back and two blue cheek lines; forms large feeding shoals.
Where does the Creole-fish live?
The Creole-fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern and western Atlantic; coral reefs and hard bottoms of warm coastal waters.
How big does the Creole-fish get?
The Creole-fish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Creole-fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Creole-fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Creole-fish edible?
The Creole-fish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Creole-fish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Paranthias
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Creole-fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Creole-fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.