Velvet whalefish
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The velvet whalefish, Barbourisia rufa, is a deep-sea whalefish, the sole member of its family Barbourisiidae. It is found throughout the tropical and temperate parts of the world's oceans, at depths of 300 to 2,000 m.
Like other whalefishes, it has a generally whale-shaped body, small pectoral and pelvic fins, and dorsal and anal fins set far back. Body and fins are covered with tiny spicules, resulting in a velvety feel that inspires the name. Color is an overall red or orange. The mouth is large, extending well behind the eyes, and the lower jaw projects beyond the upper jaw. The largest recorded specimen was 34.5 cm.
Little is known of their habits, but they are believed to feed on crustaceans.
References
- [Barbourisia rufa (TSN 162795)]. Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 18 April 2006.
- "[Barbourisia rufa]." FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. November 2005 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2005.
- A. E. Parr, "Barbourisidae, a new family of deep sea fishes". Copeia 1945 pp. 127-129
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