Pacific viperfish [Chauliodus macouni]
Description
The Pacific viperfish is a predatory fish found in the deep ocean. It grows up to 30 cm in length and has a slender body with a large head and mouth equipped with long, fang-like teeth. The Pacific viperfish is characterized by its dark coloration, ranging from silver-blue to black, and a large dorsal fin that is thought to function as a lure for prey. It is found across the Pacific Ocean at depths between 200 and 5,000 meters.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Dragonfishes
Stomiiformes
|
| Family |
Barbeled Dragonfishes
Stomiidae
|
| Genus |
Chauliodus
Chauliodus
|