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🌊 Marine 🌡️ Deep-water

Mahia whiptail

Coelorinchus matamua McCann & McKnight, 1980
Max Length
65 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.5
Depth
450–1000 m
Climate
Deep-water
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
68.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
deep-water

📖 Overview

Mahia whiptail (Coelorinchus matamua) 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 65 cm. It occurs at depths between 450 and 1000 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.

Scientific Name
Coelorinchus matamua
Authority
McCann & McKnight, 1980
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Deep-water
Body Shape
Elongated
Max Length
65 cm
Depth Range
450–1000 m
Trophic Level
3.5
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
68.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 134 - 135; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 110. Head large; the eyes also large; the snout blunt, its anterolateral margin incompletely supported by bone. Head ridges with modified thickened scales but not specially spiny; the suborbital ridge well defined. The underside of the head entirely scaled except for the lips and the gill membranes. Light organ a small globular gland adjacent to the anus, not visible externally. Gray to grayish pink, with a conspicuous dark blue band around the abdominal area; the fins and gill membranes blackish .: elongated; Cross section: circular.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Mahia whiptail is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Mahia whiptail is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Mahia whiptail is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; bathydemersal; non-migratory; depth range 450 - 1000 m . Deep-water; - 40°S Southeast Atlantic: South Africa.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🌑 Deep Water
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
3.5±0.48
Food Items

fishes (myctophids), and crabs, among other items (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00257 × L3.19 (TL)
Max TL
65cm
Dorsal Spines
2
Dorsal Rays
135
Anal Rays
110

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Very low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
68.00/100
High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Deep-water
Described By
McCann & McKnight, 1980

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