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Rainbow runner

Elagatis bipinnulata

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

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Fun Facts

Rainbow runners are a popular fish to catch and eat in Florida.

Species Type:

Fishes

Common Name(s):

Rainbow runner

Size:

Rainbow runners can grow to be big in size, averaging three feet (35 inches) in length.

Diet:

These fish feed on marine invertebrates like sea urchins, sea stars, corals and worms. They'll occasionally eat zooplankton and other fishes.

Range & Habitat:

In the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, rainbow runners live in coral reef communities.

Details:

Rainbow runners may not be rainbow colored, but their sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies feature a yellowish-brown base color with two striking blue stripes running from their head to tail. Found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, they prefer offshore reefs, deep coastal areas, and the open ocean. These fish usually travel in large schools, making them easy to spot in open waters.

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