Fin's Fish Guide
The Red cover (Emmelichthys ruber) is a saltwater fish of the family Emmelichthyidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The rubyfish is a schooling fish from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a slender, streamlined, reddish body with a forked tail and a protrusible mouth with which it filters plankton from the water. It schools in large numbers over reefs and the continental slope, between about 100 and 200 metres, and feeds on zooplankton. It is a commercial food fish. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Red cover?
The Red cover has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Protrusible mouth to filter plankton; schooling redfish
Where does the Red cover live?
The Red cover lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Red cover get?
The Red cover grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Red cover dangerous to humans?
No, the Red cover 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 Red cover edible?
Yes, the Red cover is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Emmelichthys
More from the family Emmelichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Red cover?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Red cover is one of 12,519 species in the app.