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Barrelfish (Hyperoglyphe perciformis) — Centrolophidae

Barrelfish

Hyperoglyphe perciformis
LC · Least Concern

The Barrelfish (Hyperoglyphe perciformis) is a saltwater fish of the family Centrolophidae that grows up to 91 cm.

Length
91 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The barrelfish is a deep-water fish of the medusafish family (Centrolophidae) from the northern Atlantic. The species grows to about 91 cm and has a robust, dark body. Adults live in deep water over the continental slope, especially in submarine canyons, while juveniles are more widely found near the surface, often sheltering under floating objects and weed. As an omnivore it feeds on jellyfishes, salps, small fishes and invertebrates. The name refers to the habit of juveniles of sheltering near floating barrels and flotsam. The barrelfish is a valued food fish and harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Barrelfish?

The Barrelfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Barrelfish live?

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

How big does the Barrelfish get?

The Barrelfish grows to a maximum of about 91 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Barrelfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Barrelfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Barrelfish edible?

Yes, the Barrelfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Vatvis sourced
English name
Barrelfish verified
Scientific name
Hyperoglyphe perciformis
Family
Centrolophidae
Other names
Barrelfish; Driftfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
91.0 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Sportvissen met kunstaas of (dood/levend) aasvis door te trollen, te werpen of drijvend te vissen in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hyperoglyphe

More from the family Centrolophidae

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