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Redfin brotula (Petrotyx sanguineus) — Ophidiidae

Redfin brotula

Petrotyx sanguineus
Family: Ophidiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Redfin brotula (Petrotyx sanguineus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophidiidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–15.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The red brotula is a brotula (Bythitidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has an elongate, reddish body with continuous dorsal and anal fins. It is a common but concealed inhabitant of coral reefs, where it keeps in cracks and cavities by day. Nocturnally it emerges to search for small crustaceans and other invertebrates among the reef. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redfin brotula?

The Redfin brotula has a snake-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Redfin brotula live?

The Redfin brotula lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Redfin brotula get?

The Redfin brotula grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Redfin brotula dangerous to humans?

No, the Redfin brotula is harmless to humans.

Is the Redfin brotula edible?

The Redfin brotula is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Rode brotula sourced
English name
Redfin brotula verified
Scientific name
Petrotyx sanguineus
Family
Ophidiidae
Other names
Redfin brotula verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
15.0 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
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Ophidiidae

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