Longray Spiderfish, Bathypterois longifilis (Günther, 1878)

Scientific name: Bathypterois longifilis
Alternative name/s:
Feeler Fish
<i>Bathypterois longifilis </i> Click to enlarge image
A Longray Spiderfish trawled during the NORFANZ expedition at a depth between 798m and 880m, north of Lord Howe Island, May 2003 (CSIRO H6029-02). Image: R. McPhee
© NORFANZ

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Bathypterois
    Species
    longifilis
    Family
    Ipnopidae
    Order
    Aulopiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 30 cm in length.

Introduction

The Longray Spiderfish has tiny needle-like teeth in both jaws. The species occurs in marine waters of Australia and New Zealand.

Identification

The Longray Spiderfish has a moderately elongate body that is covered with deciduous cycloid scales. It has an elongate lower caudal fin lobe and elongate pelvic fins. There are tiny needle-like teeth in both jaws.

Habitat

It is a benthic species that lives in depths from 500 m to 5000 m.

Distribution

The Longray Spiderfish occurs in marine waters of Australia and New Zealand. In Australia it is known from off southern Queensland to off southern New South Wales.

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

Feeding and diet

Dietary items include crustaceans and squid.

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Sulak, K.J. 1977. The systematics and biology of Bathypterois (Pisces, Chlorophthalmidae) with a revised classification of benthic myctophiform fishes. Galathea Report. 14: 49-108.