Trachipterus trachypterus
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.gif/180px-Trachipterus_trachypterus_(Ribbon_fish).gif) Drawing by Dr Tony Ayling
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| Trachipterus trachypterus (Gmelin, 1789) |
Trachipterus trachypterus, is a ribbonfish of the family Trachipteridae, found in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide. Its length is up to 3 m.
This ribbonfish is similar to the oarfish, but can be distinguished by its large fan-like caudal fin, usually held in a highly elevated position, and by its shorter, five rayed pelvic fins. It swims with its head up.
This rare mesopelagic species is silver in colour with a few irregular dark spots, and pink fins. It feeds on squid and midwater fishes.
[edit] References
- "Trachipterus trachypterus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. May 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
- Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand, (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8
