Fin's Fish Guide
The Red bandfish (Cepola macrophthalma) is a saltwater fish of the family Cepolidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to Senegal and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The red bandfish is a strikingly elongate, ribbon-shaped marine fish of the family Cepolidae reaching about 80 cm. The strongly compressed body tapers to a point at the rear and is bright red to orange-pink, with a long, continuous dorsal and anal fin and large eyes. The species lives on soft mud and sand bottoms of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, usually between 15 and several hundred metres, where it digs vertical burrows. From its burrow it snaps at drifting zooplankton. Because of its fragile build and hidden way of life it is rarely caught and is of little fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Red bandfish?
The Red bandfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Very elongated, ribbon-shaped and bright red; lives in self-dug vertical burrows in muddy and sandy bottoms.
Where does the Red bandfish live?
The Red bandfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to Senegal and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Red bandfish get?
The Red bandfish grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Red bandfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Red bandfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Red bandfish edible?
The Red bandfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cepola
More from the family Cepolidae
Want the complete picture on the Red bandfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Red bandfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.