Velvet whalefish

📖 Overview

Velvet whalefish (Barbourisia rufa) is a ray-finned fish of the family Barbourisiidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 39 cm. It occurs at depths between 120 and 2000 metres. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 22; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 15 - 18. Mouth large, maxillary extending far beyond eye Lower jaw projecting beyond the upper . Teeth on both jaws broad villiform bands . Body and each fin with minute spinules, the surface velvety to the touch. Lateral line opening as distinct pores .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Velvet whalefish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Velvet whalefish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Velvet whalefish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 120 - 2000 m . Deep-water south of the Canary Islands; unrecorded specimens taken between Guinea and Angola.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 18 records indexed .

👥 Community & Contribute