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Fragile cardinalfish (Epigonus fragilis) — Epigonidae

Fragile cardinalfish

Epigonus fragilis
Family: Epigonidae

The Fragile cardinalfish (Epigonus fragilis) is a saltwater fish of the family Epigonidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–494.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Hawaii

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Description

The Fragile cardinalfish is a deepwater cardinalfish (Epigonidae) of the continental slope in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a stocky, silver-grey body with conspicuously large eyes, adapted to the dim light of deep water. As a dweller of the deep water column it hunts small zooplankton and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fragile cardinalfish?

The Fragile cardinalfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Fragile cardinalfish live?

The Fragile cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Oceania: Hawaii

How big does the Fragile cardinalfish get?

The Fragile cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Fragile cardinalfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Fragile cardinalfish 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Fragile cardinalfish sourced
Scientific name
Epigonus fragilis
Family
Epigonidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
494.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Hawaii sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Epigonus

More from the family Epigonidae

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