Trachipterus Trachypterus
Family
Trachipteridae (Ribbonfishes)
Order
Lampriformes (velifers, tube-eyes and ribbonfishes)
Class
Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Maximum Size
300 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment
Bathypelagic; marine ; depth range - 500 m
Climate
Deep-water
Distribution
Eastern Atlantic: western Mediterranean and from Morocco to Namibia;
also off Table Bay, South Africa.
Diagnosis
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 145-184. Silvery in color except for front of head, interorbital area, dorsal part of upper jaw, and tip of lower jaw which are black. Dusky blotch usually seen on body at bases of 20-28th dorsal rays.
Biology
A rare, mesopelagic species. Feeds on squid and midwater fishes. Swims
with head up.
