Smooth razorfish – Centriscus cristatus

The Smooth Razorfish, Water Shrimpfish, Smooth Razor-Fish, scientifically known as Centriscus cristatus, is a captivating marine fish with a unique, elongated body shape. This fish, often found in shallow waters, is a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists and aquarists alike.

Description and Characteristics

Centriscus cristatus is recognized for its distinctive, slender, and compressed body, resembling a razor blade. This morphology contributes to its common names. The fish typically reaches a maximum size of 30.0 cm. Its body is covered with small, smooth scales, and it possesses a long snout with a small mouth. The dorsal fin is located far back on the body, and the anal fin is elongated and positioned near the tail. Its coloring is generally silver or pale grey with darker markings along its sides.

Habitat and Occurrence

Centriscus cristatus is found in tropical and subtropical waters, typically inhabiting shallow coastal areas, including estuaries and seagrass beds. Their preferred depth range is 0.0 – 10.0 meters, making them residents of the neritic zone. They are often seen in association with coral reefs and rocky substrates. Due to their preference for shallow, coastal waters, Centriscus cristatus is often encountered in the epipelagic zone, the sunlit upper layer of the ocean where photosynthesis occurs.

Taxonomy

Centriscus cristatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Syngnathiformes, and Family: Centriscidae. The order Syngnathiformes includes a diverse group of fishes with elongated snouts, which often have bony plates covering their bodies, similar to the Smooth Razorfish. The Family: Centriscidae is specific to the Razorfish, a group known for their flattened bodies and distinctive body shapes.

Feeding

Centriscus cristatus is a carnivorous fish, primarily feeding on small planktonic organisms. Their diet consists of brine shrimp nauplii, living food, and other microscopic creatures found within their shallow water habitat. Their long, slender snouts are well-suited for capturing these tiny prey.