Grey Knifefish, Bathystethus cultratus (Forster, 1801)

ANIMAL SPECIES:Grey Knifefish, Bathystethus cultratus (Forster, 1801)

The Grey Knifefish is a compressed fish that has a low spinous dorsal fin, followed by a long-based soft-rayed dorsal fin. The second dorsal and anal fins are covered with scales. The body scales are silvery-grey. It lacks teeth.

Identification

A syntype of this species from Lord Howe Island is held in the Australian Museum Fish Collection (AMS I.1847).

Size range

It grows to about 30 cm in length.

Distribution

The species occurs in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia it is known from northern to central New South Wales and from Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.

Behaviour and adaptations

Feeding and Diet

The Grey Knifefish is a fast swimmer that is usually seen near the surface feeding on plankton.

Classification

Species:: cultratus
Genus:: Bathystethus
Family:: Kyphosidae
Class:: Actinopterygii
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

References

Allen, G.R., Hoese, D.F.,Paxton, J.R., Randall, J.E., Russell, B.C., Starck, W.A.,Talbot, F.H. & Whitley, G.P. (1976). Annotated checklist of the fishes of Lord Howe Island. Records of the Australian Museum. 30(15): 365-454.
Paulin, C., Stewart, A., Roberts, C. & P. McMillan. 1989. New Zealand fish: a complete guide. National Museum of New Zealand Miscellaneous Series 19. Pp. 279.

Last Updated: 15 May 2009

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