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Unicorn crestfish (Eumecichthys fiski) — Lophotidae

Unicorn crestfish

Eumecichthys fiski
Family: Lophotidae

The Unicorn crestfish (Eumecichthys fiski) is a saltwater fish of the family Lophotidae that grows up to 150 cm.

Length
150 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The unicorn crestfish is a rare, ribbon-shaped deep-sea fish (Lophotidae) from the twilight zone of warm oceans worldwide. The species grows to about 1.5 metres and has a strongly elongate, silvery body with a tall crest on the head ending in a horn-like projection before the eyes, and a long dorsal fin. Like relatives it can release a dark, ink-like fluid. It lives in open water and eats squid and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Unicorn crestfish?

The Unicorn crestfish has a snake-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Unicorn crestfish live?

The Unicorn crestfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Unicorn crestfish get?

The Unicorn crestfish grows to a maximum of about 150 cm.

Is the Unicorn crestfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Unicorn crestfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Eenhoorn-kamvis sourced
English name
Unicorn crestfish sourced
Scientific name
Eumecichthys fiski
Family
Lophotidae
Other names
Unicorn crestfish; Unicornfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
150.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Lophotidae

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