ANIMAL SPECIES:Crested Bandfish, Lophotus lacepede Giorna, 1809
The Crested Bandfish has a long, silvery, ribbon-like body that can grow to 2 m in length. Little is known of its biology.
Identification
The Crested Bandfish can be recognised by its long ribbon-like body and large eyes. It has a long-based, red dorsal fin with elongate leading rays and a short anal fin positioned just anterior to the caudal fin.
Size range
It grows to around 2 m in length.Similar Species
Only two species in the family Lophotidae are currently considered to be valid; Lophotus lacepede and Eumecichthys fiski, the Unicornfish. The family is in need of revision and additional species may be recognised in the future.Distribution
The Crested Bandfish occurs in all oceans .
In Australia it has been recorded from scattered locations off New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Crested Bandfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It most likely lives in deep waters.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
Little is known of the biology of the species. It has an internal ink sac that stores a dark, inky liquid which may be used as a defense mechanism against predators.
Classification
- Species:
- lacepede
- Genus:
- Lophotus
- Family:
- Lophotidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Craig, M.T. & P.A. Hastings. 2004. Notes on the Systematics of the Crested Genus Lophotus (Lampridiformes: Lophotidae), with a New Record from California. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Science. 103(2): 57-65.
- Glover, J.C.M. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, J.C.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Olney, J.E. in Paxton, J.R. & W.N. Eschmeyer (Eds). 1994. Encyclopedia of Fishes. Sydney: New South Wales University Press; San Diego: Academic Press. Pp. 240.
- Olney, J.E. 1999. Lophotidae. in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem (Eds). FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 3. Batoid fishes, chimaeras and bony fishes part 1 (Elopidae to Linophrynidae). FAO, Rome. Pp. iii-vi, 1398-2068.
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A Crested Bandfish caught off Coffs Harbour View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
The head of a Crested Bandfish View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
Close up of a Cookiecutter Shark wound View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
A Crested Bandfish View full size
H. Hughes
© Australian Museum
Head of a Crested Bandfish View full size
H. Hughes
© Australian Museum
Close-up of the eye of a Crested Bandfish View full size
H. Hughes
© Australian Museum
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