The Razorfish (Aeoliscus strigatus) is a small reef marine (saltwater) fish. It always swims in a vertical (head down) position.

The Razorfish is a long, thin fish, with reduced, transparent fins. The ridge on its back is covered with protective bony plates, which also cover its tail, ending with a sharp spine. Its mouth is a sharp beak. It has a black-brown band, or stripe, along the length of its body, which also goes across its eyes. The colour of its body can vary, depending upon its habitat, changing colour to camouflage itself. However, mostly it is silver.

Razorfish

It grows to about 15 centimetres (6 inches) long.

The Razorfish swims amongst sea urchin spines, which is why it swims vertically – it camouflages itself in the spines.

It is native to the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, where there are sea urchins, sea grass, and coral reefs.

The Razorfish eats small shrimp and other small aquatic animals.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM