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Ragfish (Icichthys australis) — Centrolophidae

Ragfish

Icichthys australis

The Ragfish (Icichthys australis) is a saltwater fish of the family Centrolophidae that grows up to 81 cm.

Length
81 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–2141.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The southern driftfish is a fish of the medusafish family (Centrolophidae) from the cool waters of the southern hemisphere. The species has a flabby, elongate body with a small head and soft fins. It is a rare oceanic species living pelagically in the open sea. Young fish often live among jellyfishes and siphonophores, where they seek shelter; the species feeds on gelatinous plankton. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ragfish?

The Ragfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Ragfish live?

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

How big does the Ragfish get?

The Ragfish grows to a maximum of about 81 cm.

Is the Ragfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Ragfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Ragfish edible?

The Ragfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zuidelijke medusavis sourced
English name
Ragfish verified
Scientific name
Icichthys australis
Family
Centrolophidae
Other names
Southern driftfish; White warehou verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
81.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-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
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
2141.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Not 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 Icichthys

More from the family Centrolophidae

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