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Sparse-rayed frostfish (Benthodesmus oligoradiatus) — Trichiuridae

Sparse-rayed frostfish

Benthodesmus oligoradiatus
Family: Trichiuridae

The Sparse-rayed frostfish (Benthodesmus oligoradiatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Trichiuridae that grows up to 51 cm.

Length
51 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–1000.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Maldives, Somalia

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Description

The Sparse-rayed frostfish is a frostfish (Trichiuridae) from the deep, open water of the ocean. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a very elongate, ribbon-like, shiny silvery body with large eyes and a mouth full of sharp teeth. As a predator it makes daily vertical migrations and hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sparse-rayed frostfish?

The Sparse-rayed frostfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Sparse-rayed frostfish live?

The Sparse-rayed frostfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Maldives, Somalia

How big does the Sparse-rayed frostfish get?

The Sparse-rayed frostfish grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.

Is the Sparse-rayed frostfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Sparse-rayed frostfish 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Sparse-rayed frostfish sourced
Scientific name
Benthodesmus oligoradiatus
Family
Trichiuridae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
51.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1000.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Maldives, Somalia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Benthodesmus

More from the family Trichiuridae

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