pearlfish, any of about 32 species of slim, eel-shaped marine fishes of the family Carapidae noted for living in the bodies of sea cucumbers, pearl oysters, starfishes, and other invertebrates. Pearlfishes are primarily tropical and are found around the world, mainly in shallow water. They are elongated, scaleless, and often transparent. The long dorsal and anal fins meet at the tip of the long pointed tail, and the anus is near the throat. Most pearlfishes are about 15 cm (6 inches) or less in length. They penetrate sea cucumbers by way of the anus of the host, in some instances apparently feeding on its reproductive and respiratory organs.