ShrimpfishesCentriscidae

Shrimpfishes (Centriscidae) are small, laterally compressed marine fishes that typically swim with a distinctive vertical, head-down posture. Their elongated, slender bodies feature an extremely thin, razor-sharp ventral edge, which gives rise to their common name "razorfish". They possess a long, tubular snout ending in a small, upturned mouth. Most species have a thin, dark stripe running along their silvery to nearly transparent bodies. Adults usually measure 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 inches) in length, including the snout.

These fishes inhabit shallow, sheltered reef areas, seagrass beds, and rubble zones at depths from 2 to 30 m (7 to 100 ft). They form small, tightly synchronized schools, drifting among the spines of long-spined sea urchins, soft corals, or gorgonians, using their body shape and swimming style for camouflage. Shrimpfishes feed on small zooplankton and benthic invertebrates, sucking them into their elongated snouts. Their other common name, "shrimpfish", relates to their slender form and often transparent appearance.