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Oman gaper (Champsodon omanensis) — Champsodontidae

Oman gaper

Champsodon omanensis

The Oman gaper (Champsodon omanensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Champsodontidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
10.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
135.0–1120.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Israel, Oman

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Description

The Oman gaper is a gaper (Champsodontidae) from sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental slope in the Arabian Sea off Oman. 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 Oman gaper?

The Oman gaper has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Oman gaper live?

The Oman gaper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Israel, Oman

How big does the Oman gaper get?

The Oman gaper grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Oman gaper dangerous to humans?

No, the Oman 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Oman gaper sourced
Scientific name
Champsodon omanensis
Family
Champsodontidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
135.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1120.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Israel, Oman 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Champsodon

More from the family Champsodontidae

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