Abyssal halosaur
📖 Overview
Found on the lower slope, continental rise and upper abyss, primarily between 4° and 2°C isotherms. Feeds on polychaetes, crustaceans, echinoderms and echiurids. Hovers above or rests on bottom. Long slender pectorals are commonly held erect pointing upward and forward, these may serve a sensory function .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13. Body greyish-black to bluish black in color; top of head, gill isthmus and branchiostegal membranes black . Deeply pigmented sheath of lateral line. Absence of scales on the top of the head and presence of scales on the opercular bone .: eel-like.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Abyssal halosaur is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 1100 - 3300 m . Deep-water; 50°N - 47°S South Africa.
🌿 Ecology
polychaetes, crustaceans, echinoderms and echiurids
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldrovandia macrochir | Günther | 1878 | Synonym |
| Halosauropsis macrochira | Günther | 1878 | Synonym |
| Halosaurus goodei | Gill | 1883 | Synonym |
| Halosaurus macrochir | Günther | 1878 | Synonym |
| Halosaurus niger | Gilchrist | 1906 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 22 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Abyssal halosaur ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.