Graceful whiptail

📖 Overview

Graceful whiptail (Coelorinchus charius) is a ray-finned fish of the family Macrouridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 37 cm. It occurs at depths between 420 and 691 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 2. The snout moderate in adults to long in young, sharply pointed, 38-50% of head length (HL), anterolateral margin completely supported by bone Orbit diameter less than postorbital length of head, 24-30% HL, 1.3 - 2.1 times into snout length. The upper jaw extending posteriorly to below hind margin of pupil. Short, narrow, pointed flap of subopercle. Short, naked black fossa of light organ anterior to anus, with the anus removed from anal fin by one or two scale rows. Underside of head with small, finely spinulated scales except along the border of the mouth, ventral and posterior margins of preopercle, and anteriorly on lower jaw. Scattered scales on nasal fossa, mostly confined ventrally. Body scales with short overlapping spinules in 4-7 divergent rows, none especially broad-based nor enlarged. Fins without prominent markings .: eel-like; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Graceful whiptail is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 420 - 691 m . Deep-water; 17°S - 26°S known only from Western Australia, Australia.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute