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Pacific fanfish (Pteraclis carolinus) — Bramidae

Pacific fanfish

Pteraclis carolinus
Family: Bramidae

The Pacific fanfish (Pteraclis carolinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Bramidae that grows up to 50 cm.

Length
50 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–400.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Madeira Is.

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Description

The Pacific fanfish is a pomfret relative (Bramidae) from warm, open parts of the ocean. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a silvery body with extraordinarily tall, sail-like dorsal and anal fins that rise far above the body like flags. As an oceanic swimmer it lives in open water and hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pacific fanfish?

The Pacific fanfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Pacific fanfish live?

The Pacific fanfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. South America: Brazil, Madeira Is.

How big does the Pacific fanfish get?

The Pacific fanfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.

Is the Pacific fanfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Pacific fanfish 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
Pacific fanfish sourced
Scientific name
Pteraclis carolinus
Family
Bramidae
Other names
Fanfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Max depth (m)
400.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Madeira Is. 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
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. 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 Pteraclis

More from the family Bramidae

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