| Family: |
Barbourisiidae (Velvet whalefishes) |
| Max. size: |
39 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathydemersal; marine; depth range 120 - 2000 m |
| Distribution: |
Throughout the world ocean in tropical and temperate latitudes (Ref. 9842). Eastern Atlantic: one specimen from off Cape Bojador south of the Canary Islands; unrecorded specimens taken between Guinea and Angola. Western Atlantic: Canada (Ref. 5951) to the Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 29076). Western Indian Ocean: off Madagascar. Eastern Pacific: one specimen captured off northern central California, USA (Ref. 2850). Western Pacific: Japan to New Caledonia, Australia (Ref. 7300) and New Zealand (Ref. 5755). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-22; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 15-18. Mouth large, maxillary extending far beyond eye (Ref. 559) Lower jaw projecting beyond the upper (Ref. 559). Teeth on both jaws broad villiform bands (Ref. 559). Body and each fin with minute spinules, the surface velvety to the touch. Lateral line opening as distinct pores (Ref. 559). |
| Biology: |
Juveniles mesopelagic, adults benthopelagic. Presumably feed on crustaceans. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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