Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific foureyed fish (Anableps dowei) is a brackish-water fish of the family Anablepidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The Pacific foureyed fish is a remarkable livebearing fish of the family Anablepidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate body with bulging eyes set high on the head. Each eye is divided in two by a horizontal band, with a separate lens and retina half, so that the fish can see above and below the water surface at once while swimming at the surface with its eyes half out of water. It lives in schools in brackish estuaries, mangroves and river mouths. As an omnivore it eats insects, small invertebrates, algae and detritus. Like its relatives it is a livebearer. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific foureyed fish?
The Pacific foureyed fish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Eyes divided in two that see above and below water at the same time; ovoviviparous surface fish of estuaries.
Where does the Pacific foureyed fish live?
The Pacific foureyed fish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; brackish estuaries, mangroves and river mouths.
How big does the Pacific foureyed fish get?
The Pacific foureyed fish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Pacific foureyed fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacific foureyed fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pacific foureyed fish edible?
The Pacific foureyed fish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Anableps
More from the family Anablepidae
Want the complete picture on the Pacific foureyed fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific foureyed fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.