Identification
The greater forkbeard is an elongated fish to 75 cm with a distinctive forked chin barbel on the lower jaw. The first dorsal fin is tall and short, the second low and long. The pelvic fins are modified into long, thread-like feelers. Color is yellowish-brown to reddish-brown.
Ecology
Lives on rocky bottoms in deep water, typically at 100 to 600 meters depth. A nocturnal hunter that hides in rock crevices and caves during the day. Feeds on fish, shrimp, and squid.
In the Netherlands
Rarely found in the North Sea. Distribution centers along the Atlantic coast from Norway to the Mediterranean, but at greater depths than the shallow southern North Sea provides.
