ANIMAL SPECIES:Scalloped Ribbonfish, Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1820)
As its name implies, the Scalloped Ribbonfish has a long slender body. Juveniles have a 'scalloped' ventral body margin. Adults are reported to swim vertically in open waters.
Identification
Adult Scalloped Ribbonfish can be recognised by the ribbon-like body, reddish dorsal fin, black tail, and other fin characteristics.
Juveniles under 70 cm in length have a silvery body with dark blotches, a scalloped belly margin and bulb-like structures on the long dorsal and pelvic fins.
The family Trachipteridae contains about ten species in three genera: Trachipterus, Desmodema and Zu. The family is classified in the order Lampridiformes. One of the distinctive characters of this order is the structure of the upper jaw and surrounding tissues which enables the jaws to be greatly protruded during feeding.
Size range
The species grows to 1 m in length.Distribution
It occurs worldwide in tropical and temperate oceans. In Australia it is known from off the coasts of New South Wales and Tasmania.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Scalloped Ribbonfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The Scalloped Ribbonfish is rarely encountered. In open water it is reported to swim vertically, head up and tail down.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
Ribbonfishes are reported to eat fishes, squid and crustaceans.
Classification
- Species:
- cristatus
- Genus:
- Zu
- Family:
- Trachipteridae
- Order:
- Lampridiformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Anon. 1999. Rare fish find for Yamba. Lower Clarence Review. Friday, August 27. p.3.
- Heemstra, P.C. & S.X. Kannemeyer, 1984. The families Trachipteridae and Radiicephalidae (Piscies, Lampriformes) and a new species of Zu from South Africa. Annals of the South African Museum. 94(2):13-39.
- Heemstra, P.C. & S.X. Kannemeyer. 1986. Trachipteridae. in Smith, M.M. & P.C. Heemstra. (eds.) 1986. Smiths' Sea Fishes. Macmillan South Africa, Johannesburg. i-xx + 1-1047, Pls. 1-144.
- Olney, J. 1999. Trachipteridae. 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.
- Paxton, J.R., D.F. Hoese, G.R. Allen & J.E. Hanley. 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia Vol.7 Pisces Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra: Australian Biological Resources Survey. Pp. i-xii, 1-665.
- Scott, E.O.G., 1983. Observations on some Tasmanian Fishes: Part XXIX. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania. 117: 167-202.
- Wheeler, A. 1975. Fishes of the World. An Illustrated Dictionary. Ferndale Editions. Pp.366.
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A juvenile Scalloped Ribbonfish View full size
Benja Iglesis
© Benja Iglesis
A juvenile Scalloped Ribbonfish at Maui View full size
Benja Iglesis
© Benja Iglesis
Scalloped Ribbonfish with fins raised View full size
Benja Iglesis
© Benja Iglesis
A young Scalloped Ribonfish from off northern New South Wales View full size
Paul Ovenden
© Australian Museum
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