Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth alligatorfish (Anoplagonus inermis) is a saltwater fish of the family Agonidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The smooth alligatorfish is a small poacher from the cold waters of the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, angular body armoured with bony plates but, unlike many relatives, almost without spines, hence 'smooth'. As a slow bottom-dweller it lives on sand and gravel bottoms of shallow coastal water to about 100 metres and searches for small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth alligatorfish?
The Smooth alligatorfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Bony armoured but almost spineless body; slow bottom-living armoured gurnard
Where does the Smooth alligatorfish live?
The Smooth alligatorfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific
How big does the Smooth alligatorfish get?
The Smooth alligatorfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Smooth alligatorfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Smooth alligatorfish 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 Smooth alligatorfish edible?
The Smooth alligatorfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Agonidae
Want the complete picture on the Smooth alligatorfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth alligatorfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.