Fin's Fish Guide
The Gaper (Champsodon vorax) is a saltwater fish of the family Champsodontidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The Gaper is a gaper (Champsodontidae) from sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental slope in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, semi-translucent body with a large, upward-slanted mouth, high-set eyes and spiny head and gill-cover plates. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter of deeper water it snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gaper?
The Gaper has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Gaper live?
The Gaper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, Guam, Indonesia, Maldives, Philippines, Viet Nam
How big does the Gaper get?
The Gaper grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Gaper dangerous to humans?
No, the Gaper 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.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Gaper and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Gaper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gaper is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Champsodon
More from the family Champsodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Gaper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gaper is one of 12,519 species in the app.