Apine triangular batfish

📖 Overview

Apine triangular batfish (Malthopsis apis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ogcocephalidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 6 cm. It occurs at depths between 260 and 457 metres. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal soft rays (total): 5 - 6. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: rostrum short (length 6.5%-10.0% SL), pointed and needle-like, with a small base and curved slightly and directed anterodorsally; body covered with small, pointed spiny bucklers; posterior portion of skull with 3 irregular rows of small bucklers (those in lateral rows are much larger than those in median row); broad naked areas on shoulder and gill cavity; ventral surface of disk is densely covered by small pointed bucklers, slightly larger and denser on breast than belly; the subopercular buckler with well-developed spines, with anteriormost directed forward, lateral spine directed outward, and 1-2 posteriormost spines directed backward; orbit is large, its diameter 13.8%-15.5% SL; both post-subopercular bucklers with one or more sharp spines; interorbital space narrow (3.7%-5.5% SL); OD/RL = 1.4-2.4; OD/IO = 2.7-4.2; anal fin reaching or beyond the caudal-fin base when appressed; D 5-6; pectoral-fin rays 11-13 .Cross section: flattened.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Apine triangular batfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 260 - 457 m . Tropical; 12°S - 32°S, 141°E - 157°E

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute