Argyropelecus gigas: Difference between revisions
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The '''giant hatchetfish''', ''Argyropelecus gigas'', a [[ |
The '''giant hatchetfish''', ''Argyropelecus gigas'', a [[marine hatchetfish]] of the genus ''[[Argyropelecus]]'', is found in deep tropical and subtropical waters of all oceans, except the north [[Pacific]]. Its length is between 8 and 12 cm, and it is the largest fish in its [[family (biology)|family]]. |
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The giant hatchetfish is a deep-bodied species with large eyes that are directed upwards, enabling prey to be silhouetted against the faint light coming from the surface, and a large mouth also directed upwards. The whole belly is covered in downward directed [[photophore]]s, which are thought to disguise the fish's dark shape from other upward-looking [[predator]]s. |
The giant hatchetfish is a deep-bodied species with large eyes that are directed upwards, enabling prey to be silhouetted against the faint light coming from the surface, and a large mouth also directed upwards. The whole belly is covered in downward directed [[photophore]]s, which are thought to disguise the fish's dark shape from other upward-looking [[predator]]s. |
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Revision as of 02:49, 19 February 2009
| Giant hatchetfish | |
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| Drawing by Dr Tony Ayling | |
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| Species: | A. gigas
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| Binomial name | |
| Argyropelecus gigas Norman, 1930
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The giant hatchetfish, Argyropelecus gigas, a marine hatchetfish of the genus Argyropelecus, is found in deep tropical and subtropical waters of all oceans, except the north Pacific. Its length is between 8 and 12 cm, and it is the largest fish in its family.
The giant hatchetfish is a deep-bodied species with large eyes that are directed upwards, enabling prey to be silhouetted against the faint light coming from the surface, and a large mouth also directed upwards. The whole belly is covered in downward directed photophores, which are thought to disguise the fish's dark shape from other upward-looking predators.
This silvery coloured plankton-eating fish lives at depths of between 300 and 650 m.
References
- "Argyropelecus gigas". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. 18 April.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=and|year=/|date=mismatch (help) - Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Argyropelecus gigas". FishBase. March 2006 version.
- 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