Flatscale triangular batfish

📖 Overview

Flatscale triangular batfish (Malthopsis bulla) 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 8.7 cm. It occurs at depths between 143 and 1023 metres. With a trophic level of 3.3, 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 characters:flattened body disk, with anterior portion of skull only slightly elevated above other part of disk; small rostrum, very short rostral spine, its length 3.9%-7.6% SL, and directed obliquely to upward vertically; bucklers on body uniformly flattened without sharp apices; large naked areas on central region of dorsal disk; ventral surface of disk partly covered with large bucklers on the thoracic region and smaller bucklers on belly; thoracic region and gill cavity are naked; subopercular buckler with an enlarged, anteriorly directed spine bearing spinelets along its margin; small orbit, its diameter x? = 12.2% SL); interorbital space broad (x? = 7.3%) SL; rostrum short (x? = 5.5%) SL; OD/IO = 1.3-2.0; OD/RL = 1.6-2.9; the anal fin does not reaching caudal-fin base when appressed; D 5-6; pectoral-fin rays 11-13 .Cross section: flattened.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Flatscale triangular batfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 143 - 1023 m , usually 143 - 320 m . Subtropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute