Common Veilfin, Metavelifer multiradiatus (Regan, 1907)

Scientific name: Metavelifer multiradiatus
Metavelifer multiradiatus Click to enlarge image
A Common Veilfin purchased by B. Yau at Paddy's Market, Haymarket, Sydney, New South Wales, 2005 The fish is now in the Australian Museum Fish Collection (AMS I.43751-001). Image: Sally Reader
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Metavelifer
    Species
    multiradiatus
    Family
    Veliferidae
    Order
    Lampridiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to about 49 cm in length.

Introduction

The Common Veilfin occurs in the Indo-west and Central Pacific. It is a benthic species that occurs in continental shelf waters.

Identification

The Common Veilfin is a deep bodied, compressed fish that has a notched interorbital region. The body is covered with weakly attached cycloid scales. Scaly dermal sheaths extend onto the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. The body is silvery with darkish bars.

The family Veliferidae is in need of revision. There are currently two recognised genera, Velifer and Metavelifer. Some ichthyologists believe that there should only be one genus.

Habitat

The Common Veilfin is a benthic species that occurs in continental shelf waters in depths between 30 m and 240 m.

Distribution

The Common Veilfin occurs in the Indo-west and Central Pacific.

In Australia it is known off northern to central New South Wales and from the central coast of South Australia to the north-western coast of Western Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. 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.