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Anotopterus vorax

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Anotopterus vorax
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Aulopiformes
Family: Anotopteridae
Genus: Anotopterus
Species:
A. vorax
Binomial name
Anotopterus vorax
(Regan, 1913)
Synonyms

Anotopterus antarcticus Nybelin, 1946

Anotopterus vorax, the Southern Ocean daggertooth, is a species of daggertooth. It inhabits the Southern Ocean circumglobally.[1]

A daggertooth soon after being caught, before its colours fade

Description

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It commonly grows to 90 cm length, and can grow to 105 cm. It has an iridescent skin, and sapphire blue eyes. The colours fade quickly when the fish is removed from the water.[2]

It has unusual forward-curved teeth in the upper jaw. It bites fish prey then pulls backwards, often cutting the spine and paralysing the prey. It eats mostly small fish,[2] particularly Notolepis coatsi,[1] a barracudina.

Biology

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Prior to spawning, the species sheds its teeth, while it's gastrointestinal tract atrophies. They are monocyclic, dying after spawning. This reproductive strategy may have been the result of the great distance between spawning and feeding areas.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Anotopterus vorax". Fishbase. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  2. ^ a b Stewart, Andrew (2008). "Denizens of the deep: daggertooth and stareater". NZ IPY-CAML Voyage 2008: 3 – 5 MAR Seamounts and open water (PDF). Ministry of Fisheries. Retrieved 25 May 2024.