Fin's Fish Guide
The Grooved razorfish (Centriscus scutatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Centriscidae that grows up to 17 cm.
Description
The grooved razorfish is a remarkable coastal fish of the shrimpfish family (Centriscidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a very thin body encased in transparent bony plates and a long, tubular snout. Characteristically, the fish swims head-down, almost vertically. Razorfishes live in large, synchronised schools among branching corals, sea fans and black coral in shallow, sandy or muddy inlets to about 15 metres. They suck up small zooplankton with the tubular snout. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Grooved razorfish?
The Grooved razorfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Swims head-down in aligned shoals; thin body in transparent bony plates.
Where does the Grooved razorfish live?
The Grooved razorfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; shallow sandy or muddy inlets with coral.
How big does the Grooved razorfish get?
The Grooved razorfish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the Grooved razorfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Grooved razorfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Grooved razorfish edible?
Yes, the Grooved razorfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Centriscus
More from the family Centriscidae
Want the complete picture on the Grooved razorfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Grooved razorfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.