Pacific pearlfish
📖 Overview
Uncommon species . Benthic . Adults inhabit the body cavity of pearl shells (Pinctada), pen shells (Pinna), and cockles (Laevicardium). Oviparous, with pelagic vexillifer stage larva, and benthic tenuis stage larva . Also found in following shells in the Gulf of California: Megapitaria squalida, M. aurantiaca, Laevicardium elatum and Spondylus princeps .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 142 - 148; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 153 - 160; Vertebrae: 113 - 118. Eel-like, moderate to shallow body depth; maxilla free and movable; cardiform teeth present; branchiostegal membranes partly or completely united; swim bladder with thin terminal membrane or bulb; lacking enlarged dentary or premaxillary fangs, dentary diastema, pelvic fins, and swim bladder rocker bone . 19-20 precaudal vertebrae . Branchiostegal rays: 6-7 .: eel-like; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pacific pearlfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Pacific pearlfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, with pelagic vexillifer stage larva, and benthic tenuis stage larva .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 2 - 79 m . Tropical; 32°N - 1°N, 27°E - 77°W
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Pacific pearlfish · Pearlfish |
| 🌍CES | jehlička pochybná |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-perola-do-Pacífico |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Perlero del Pacifico · Pez perla |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carapus caninus | Günther | 1862 | Synonym |
| Encheliophis dubius | Putnam | 1874 | Synonym |
| Fierasfer arenicola | Jordan & Gilbert | 1882 | Synonym |
| Fierasfer caninus | Günther | 1862 | Heterotypic |
| Fierasfer dubius | Putnam | 1874 | Synonym |
| Fierasfer microdon | Gilbert | 1905 | Synonym |
| Leptofierasfer macrurus | Meek & Hildebrand | 1928 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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