Fin's Fish Guide
The Deepbody boarfish (Antigonia capros) is a saltwater fish of the family Caproidae that grows up to 31 cm.
Atlantic Ocean and adjacent oceans, near rocky bottoms, slopes and seamounts of the deeper continental shelf, also around the Macaronesian islands.
Description
The deepbody boarfish is a bright-red, strikingly deep and diamond-shaped deep-water fish of the family Caproidae (boarfishes) reaching about 30 cm. The strongly compressed body is almost as deep as it is long and bears a small, protrusible mouth. The red colour is virtually invisible at depth. The species lives near rocky bottoms, slopes and seamounts of the deeper continental shelf of the Atlantic and adjacent oceans, also around the Macaronesian islands. With its small mouth it picks zooplankton and small bottom invertebrates. Because of its deep lifestyle and lean body it has little commercial importance, though it comes up as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Deepbody boarfish?
The Deepbody boarfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Bright red, very deep and diamond-shaped deep-water fish with a small, protrusible mouth; almost as deep as it is long.
Where does the Deepbody boarfish live?
The Deepbody boarfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Atlantic Ocean and adjacent oceans, near rocky bottoms, slopes and seamounts of the deeper continental shelf, also around the Macaronesian islands.
How big does the Deepbody boarfish get?
The Deepbody boarfish grows to a maximum of about 31 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Deepbody boarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Deepbody boarfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Deepbody boarfish edible?
The Deepbody boarfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Antigonia
More from the family Caproidae
Want the complete picture on the Deepbody boarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Deepbody boarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.