Leopard whiptail

📖 Overview

Leopard whiptail (Coelorinchus pardus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Macrouridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 30 cm. It occurs at depths between 107 and 187 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. Snout long, 43-49% of HL, anterolateral margin not completely supported by bone; characteristic scales overlap anterolaterally onto ventral snout surface; orbit diameter 22-25% of HL, 1.8-2.2 times into snout length; upper jaw 24-27% of HL; chin barbel short, about equal to length of first gill slit; subopercle lacking a prolonged narrow flap. Light organ extends from behind isthmus to front of anus. Underside of head naked; nasal fossa naked; body scales thin, spinules short, fine, aligned in close parallel rows. Conspicuous body markings consisting of blotches, spots and occasional ring on dorsum, becoming a narrow dorsal stripe to end of tail; belly between periproct and pelvic fin bases lacking melanophores; maxillary ramus immaculate (rarely with 2-3 melanophores). First dorsal fin with membrane between second spinous ray and first segmented ray black; anterior end of anal fin blackish distally. Pyloric caeca 8-11, usually 10-11; P i14-i15, rarely i16.: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Leopard whiptail is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 107 - 187 m . Tropical Central Pacific: confined to the Arafura Sea in the Northern Territory, Australia.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .

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