Anotopterus sp. (2008)

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Anotopterus

Anotopterus sp. (2008)

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Aulopiformes
Family:	Anotopteridae
Genus:	Anotopterus
Species:	Anotopterus sp. (2008)

The fish's iridescent gold color and sapphire blue eyes fade quickly upon death, but this timely photograph captures these colors. The teeth are forward-curving for a specialized hunting technique.

Anotopterus sp. (2008) is a species of daggertooth discovered in the New Zealand Antarctic Ocean, at 71°S, and is one of the southernmost species caught. Its golden luster and sapphire blue eyes are exquisite, unfortunately, however, the colors fade quickly when the fish is removed from its habitat. The specimen found measured 50cm and was not full grown. The fish paralyzes its prey by sinking its teeth into the flesh and then pulling backwards.

[edit] References

Stewart, Andrew. "Science report: Denizens of the deep: daggertooth and stareater." NZ IPY-CAML Voyage 2008. 2008. Ministry of Fisheries. Crown Copyright: 2008. http://www.fish.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/7CF525AF-2985-4152-B225-28E52E389F3B/0/IPYdiary10.pdf.