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Fanfish (Pteraclis velifera) — Bramidae

Fanfish

Pteraclis velifera
Family: Bramidae

The Fanfish (Pteraclis velifera) is a saltwater fish of the family Bramidae that grows up to 50 cm.

Length
50 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The fanfish is an open-ocean fish (Bramidae) from warm and temperate seas worldwide. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a laterally compressed, silvery body with extraordinarily high, sail-like dorsal and anal fins that reach far forward like fans. It lives in the open water column and hunts small fish, squid and zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fanfish?

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

Where does the Fanfish live?

The Fanfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Fanfish get?

The Fanfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.

Is the Fanfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Fanfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Waaiervis sourced
English name
Fanfish sourced
Scientific name
Pteraclis velifera
Family
Bramidae
Other names
Fanfish; Southern fanfish; Spotted fanfish; Wing fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
50.0 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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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