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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🌡️ Subtropical

Giant triangular batfish

Malthopsis gigas Ho & Shao, 2010
Max Length
13.6 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
210–650 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
38.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Giant triangular batfish (Malthopsis gigas) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ogcocephalidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 13.6 cm. It occurs at depths between 210 and 650 metres. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Scientific Name
Malthopsis gigas
Authority
Ho & Shao, 2010
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
13.6 cm
Depth Range
210–650 m
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
38.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal soft rays (total): 5 - 6. This species differs from its congeners in having the following characters: relatively long and strong rostrum (5.2-11.5% SL, x = 8.6% SL); rostral spine directed forward and upward; body heavily covered with strong conical bucklers; numerous small and flat bucklers covering dorsal surface between principal bucklers; dorsal and anal fins relatively long, 17.6-29.5% SL and 17.4-24.2% SL, respectively; dorsal surface with black spots; anal fin when fully laid back extends beyond caudal fin base; largest adult body size (up to 136.4 mm) among its congeners 9Ref. 84006).: other (see remarks).

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Giant triangular batfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Giant triangular batfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Giant triangular batfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 210 - 650 m . Subtropical north to Japan, south to New Zealand.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine
Trophic Level
3.3±0.6

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01514 × L2.93 (TL)
Max TL
13.6cm
Dorsal Rays
6

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2019

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
38.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Ho & Shao, 2010

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