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Palm ruff (Seriolella violacea) — Centrolophidae

Palm ruff

Seriolella violacea

The Palm ruff (Seriolella violacea) is a saltwater fish of the family Centrolophidae that grows up to 65 cm.

Length
65 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos Is.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The palm ruff is a ruff (Centrolophidae) from coastal water of the southeast Pacific off Chile and Peru. The species grows to about 50 cm and has an oval, laterally compressed, blue-grey body with a blunt head and a small mouth. Juveniles shelter under drifting jellyfish and weed; adults form schools in open water and eat jellyfish, salps, small fish and zooplankton. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Palm ruff?

The Palm ruff has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Palm ruff live?

The Palm ruff lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. South America: Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos Is.

How big does the Palm ruff get?

The Palm ruff grows to a maximum of about 65 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Palm ruff dangerous to humans?

No, the Palm ruff 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.

Is the Palm ruff edible?

Yes, the Palm ruff is commonly eaten.

More photos

Palm ruff (Seriolella violacea) — Centrolophidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Garrett, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Palm ruff (Seriolella violacea) — Centrolophidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) victoria_miranda9, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Palm ruff (Seriolella violacea) — Centrolophidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) capacoscar, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Palm ruff (Seriolella violacea) — Centrolophidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) capacoscar, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Palm ruff sourced
Scientific name
Seriolella violacea
Family
Centrolophidae
Other names
Palm ruff verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
65.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos Is. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 Seriolella

More from the family Centrolophidae

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