forkbeard
| Scientific name | Phycis phycis |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Linnaeus |
| Year of description | 1766 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Gadidae |
| Genus | Phycis |
Introduction
Phycis phycis, commonly known as forkbeard, is a salt water fish.
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Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size25 cm
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Maximum size65 cm
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Patternmottling
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Average size25 cm
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Maximum size65 cm
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Patternmottling
How to recognize the forkbeard ?
This fish has the particularity to possess several pairs of barbels, which allow him to search the bottom and to detect the food thus moved.
The forkbeard measures between 25 and 65 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly marron and gris body. The also has marron mottling.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving in a group or alone
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territorialNo
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Way of livingnocturnal
The forkbeard is a fish living in a group or alone naturally found near the bottom. This species is carnivorous . This fish lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.
Although the forkbeard is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare
The forkbeard is a fish ovipare.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature13 - 16 °C
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Depth16 - 614 m
Biotope presentation
The forkbeard is most often found at a depth between 16m and 614m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
To go further
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Scientific partners
Species of the same family