Mediterranean pearlfish
fish
Also known as: Carapus acus
Quick Summary
The Mediterranean pearlfish (Carapus acus) is a species of marine fish known for its unusual habit of living inside other invertebrates, such as sea cucumbers. These fish are typically eel-shaped, scaleless, and transparent, usually growing to about 15 cm (6 inches) in length. They enter their hosts through the anus and may feed on the host's reproductive and respiratory organs. The Mediterranean pearlfish belongs to the order Ophidiiformes, which also includes cusk-eels and brotulas.12
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