You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Rainbow runner

Elagatis bipinnulata

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

Come visit me at Mote!

Support Mote Animals

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 aren’t rainbow despite their name. They’re yellow-brown in color with two blue stripes running from their head to the base of their tails. They have long slender bodies and a forked tail.