Shrimpfish

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Shrimpfish
Aeoliscus strigatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Syngnathiformes
Family: Centriscidae
Subfamily: Centriscinae
Genera and species

See text.

Shrimpfish, also called razorfish, are five small species of tropical marine fish in the subfamily Centriscinae of the family Centriscidae. They are found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Shrimpfish are nearly transparent and flattened from side to side with long snouts and a sharp-edged belly. A thin, dark stripe runs along its body. It is from this and their shrimp-like appearance that their name is derived. They swim in a synchronized manner with their heads pointing downwards.

Adult shrimpfish are 20 cm (8 in), including their snout.

[edit] Genera and species

  • Genus Aeoliscus
    • Speckled shrimpfish, Aeoliscus punctulatus (Bianconi, 1855)
    • Razorfish, Aeoliscus strigatus (Günther, 1861)
  • Genus Centriscops
  • Genus Centriscus
    • Smooth razor-fish, Centriscus cristatus (De Vis, 1885)
    • Grooved razor-fish, Centriscus scutatus Linnaeus, 1758

[edit] References