Fin's Fish Guide
The Dogtooth herring (Chirocentrodon bleekerianus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The dogtooth herring is a small herring relative from the western Atlantic, from Cuba and the Caribbean to Brazil. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a slender, laterally compressed, silvery body with conspicuous canine-like teeth. Unlike most herrings it is a predator that takes proportionally large herring-like prey fish and caridean shrimps; prey fish are swallowed folded. It lives in coastal water between 20 and 60 metres depth. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dogtooth herring?
The Dogtooth herring has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Predatory herring-like fish with dog-tooth-like teeth
Where does the Dogtooth herring live?
The Dogtooth herring lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic
How big does the Dogtooth herring get?
The Dogtooth herring grows to a maximum of about 16 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Dogtooth herring dangerous to humans?
No, the Dogtooth herring 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.
Is the Dogtooth herring edible?
The Dogtooth herring is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Pristigasteridae
Want the complete picture on the Dogtooth herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dogtooth herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.