African coffinfish

📖 Overview

African coffinfish (Chaunax africanus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Chaunacidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 22.7 cm. It occurs at depths between 162 and 200 metres. With a trophic level of 4.1, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal soft rays: 6 - 7. This species which is a member of the C. fimbriatus-species group is distinguished from its congeners in having the following characters: body is covered by variable-sized, irregular brownish patches and a complex white reticulate pattern; eye circled by prominent radiating brownish markings; dorsal-fin base with 2-3 pairs of narrow brownish bars; pale reticulate markings frequently double-lined; pattern extending forward to front of lower jaw, and over pectoral and caudal fins; bridging each neuromast are 3-4 pairs of spinules; second gill arch with 8-9 rakers; short and stout illicium; small illicial trough oval in shape; esca with numerous thin pale cirri with brown tips; pale gill chamber; peritoneal membrane black; lateral-line neuromast counts: upper preopercular = 2, infraorbital = 6-7, hyomandibular = 3, pectoral = 10-12, body proper = 31-32 .: other (see remarks); Cross section: flattened.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for African coffinfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 162 - 200 m . Tropical endemic in the southwestern Indian Ocean).

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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