Depth
Phycis · Bony Fish

Forkbeard

Phycis phycis

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Phycis
Species phycis

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationElongated body with two dorsal fins, the first with an elongated first ray. Reddish-brown to dark brown body. Two long barbels on the chin. Large eyes suited to dimly lit habitats.
  • SizeUp to 65 cm total length, commonly 25 to 40 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and nocturnal. Shelters in caves, crevices, and wrecks during the day.
  • HabitatRocky reefs, caves, wrecks, and deep boulder fields. Strongly associated with dark, sheltered habitats.
  • Depth10 to 600 m, most common between 30 and 200 m.
  • Feeds OnCrustaceans, small fish, and cephalopods hunted at night.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from the British Isles to Senegal, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA reclusive, cave-dwelling species that is a regular find on deeper Mediterranean dives. Forkbeard rest in the dim recesses of caves and wrecks during the day, emerging at night to hunt. The elongated ray on the first dorsal fin and the chin barbels are distinctive identification features.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Forkbeard species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Feeds on fish, crustaceans and cephalopods near the seabed. Hunts in low-light conditions using its sensitive barbel to detect prey.

Deep-water predator

Reproduction

Spawns in winter and spring over deep rocky substrates. Eggs and larvae are pelagic.

Winter spawner

Behaviour & Defence

Shelters in deep caves and rocky overhangs during the day. Its cryptic reddish colouration matches the dimly lit rocky environments it inhabits.

Cave dweller

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Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Phycis phycis. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide