Pacific viperfish
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| Chauliodus macouni Bean, 1890 |
The Pacific viperfish, Chauliodus macouni, is a predatory fish living deep in the oceans and is frequently referred to as among the ocean's "bottom feeders." In daytime it can be found from 500–2500 m below the ocean surface. At night it swims up into shallower depths of less than 600m where food is more plentiful. Pacific viperfish will mostly eat crustaceans and small fish. They typically reach lengths of up to 30 cm, however they can reach up to 2 m and are considered an example of deep-sea gigantism. It is believed that its first dorsal fin's photophores are used to attract prey.
Pacific viperfish can be characterized by its large mouth, long fang-like teeth and long dorsal fin ray (as much as half its body length). They are iridescent dark silver-blue color in life with pale fins.
[edit] References
- Chauliodus macouni (TSN 162279). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 30 January 2006.
- "Chauliodus macouni". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. 10 2005 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2005.
