Pacific Batfish [Dibranchus hystrix]
Description
The Pacific Batfish, like its Atlantic cousin, is a deep-sea anglerfish. It has a similar round, flat body and wing-like fins. The species also uses a modified dorsal fin as a lure to attract prey. What distinguishes the Pacific Batfish is its distribution in the Pacific Ocean, from the Gulf of California to the coasts of Peru. This species is also known for its spiny skin, a characteristic that is reflected in its scientific name 'hystrix', which is Latin for 'porcupine'.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Anglerfishes
Lophiiformes
|
| Family |
Batfishes
Ogcocephalidae
|
| Genus |
Dibranchus
Dibranchus
|