ANIMAL SPECIES:Triplewart Seadevil, Cryptopsaras couesii Gill, 1883
The Triplewart Seadevil has a large head and a tiny eye. The skin has needle-like spinules. It has a small pectoral fin and three club-like caruncles on its back in front of the dorsal fin. The illicium terminates in a small small rounded esca.
Identification
The Triplewart Seadevil has a large head and a tiny eye. The skin has needle-like spinules. It has a small pectoral fin and three club-like caruncles on its back in front of the dorsal fin. The illicium terminates in a small small rounded esca.
Size range
Females grow to 44 cm in length. Males are much smaller than females, only growing to 12 cm.Distribution
The Triplewart Seadevil occurs in marine waters of the three major oceans in tropical to subpolar latitudes.
In Australia, specimens have been collected from off New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia.
Habitat
It is usually found in mesopelagic depths, but has been recorded from the surface down to around 4000 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
Sexually mature males are usually found attached as parasites to females.
Classification
- Species:
- couesii
- Genus:
- Cryptopsaras
- Family:
- Ceratiidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Anderson, M.E. & R.W. Leslie. 2001. Review of the deep-sea Anglerfishes (Lophiiformes: Ceratioidei) of Southern Africa. Ichthyological Bulletin. 70: 1-32.
- Bertelsen, E., & Pietsch, T.W. 1983. The Ceratioid Anglerfishes of Australia. Records of the Australian Museum. 35: 77-99.
- Brauer, A. 1906. Die Tiefsee-Fische. I. Systematischer Teil. In: C. Chun. Wissenschaftl. Ergebnisse der Deutschen Tiefsee-Expedition "Valdivia," 1898-99. Jena. v. 15: 1-432, Pls. 1-18.
- Stewart, A.L. & T.W. Pietsch. 1998. The ceratioid anglerfishes (Lophiiformes: Ceratioidei) of New Zealand. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 28 (1): 1-37.
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A 5 cm standard length Triplewart Seadevil. View full size
Robin McPhee
© NORFANZ Founding Parties
Head of Triplewart Seadevil trawled off Norfolk Island. View full size
Robin McPhee
© NORFANZ Founding Parties
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