ANIMAL SPECIES:Shortsnout Lancetfish, Alepisaurus brevirostris Gibbs, 1960
The Shortsnout Lancetfish is a slender species with large fangs. It occurs in deep temperate waters in most oceans.
Alternative Names/s
Shortsnouted HandsawfishIdentification
The Shortsnout Lancetfish has a slim, elongate body. It has a long-based first dorsal fin followed by a small adipose fin. The caudal fin is large and forked. The anal fin is short-based and positioned posteriorly on the body.
The species has a large mouth with large fangs on the roof of the mouth and at the front of the lower jaw. There are smaller triangular and caniniform teeth elsewhere on the jaws and the roof of the mouth.
It is iridescent brownish-black above and paler laterally. The long lateral keels at the rear of the body are black. The dorsal fin may have a row of white spots close to its base.
Size range
96 cmDistribution
The species occurs in temperate marine waters worldwide, except the North Pacific.
In Australia it has only been recorded from off Eucla, Western Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Shortsnout Lancetfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It occurs at bathypelagic and mesopelagic depths.
Classification
- Species:
- brevirostris
- Genus:
- Alepisaurus
- Family:
- Alepisauridae
- Order:
- Aulopiformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Glover, C.J.M. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Shortsnout Lancetfish, Alepisaurus brevirostris View full size
Mark McGrouther
© NORFANZ Founding Parties
A juvenile Shortsnout Lancetfish View full size
Mark McGrouther
© NORFANZ Founding Parties
what's on
Design like an Egyptian: Jewellery Design Competition
12 Aug 09 – 14 Dec 09
Attention: Visual Art and Design and Technology Teachers: The Australian Museum presents Design Like an Egyptian: Jewellery Design Competition. Win cash prizes!
Off-site
Support us
Help us continue to provide quality research, education, community programs and exhibitions.
Online Shop
Featuring a selection of products relating to the collections.
Australian Museum Members
Join today to come to the Museum for free and enjoy many other benefits.
AMBS
Australian Museum Business Services - Ecological, archaeological and heritage consulting.
Museum as a Venue
We have many unique venues ideal for dinner, cocktails, weddings and conferences.