Snipefishes [Centriscus]

Description

Centriscus is a genus within the family Centriscidae, known for its species commonly referred to as snipefishes. These fish exhibit a long, tubular snout and a highly compressed body, protected by bony plates. Unlike their relatives in the genus Aeoliscus, snipefishes tend to swim in a more conventional, horizontal position. They inhabit temperate and tropical seas, often found in deeper offshore waters compared to the shallow, coastal habitats preferred by shrimpfishes. Snipefishes primarily feed on small fish and crustaceans, capturing prey by rapidly extending their pipette-like mouths. Their distribution includes the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Species

Taxonomy