Gyrinomimus grahami

Taxobox
name = Gyrinomimus grahami


image_caption = Drawing by Dr Tony Ayling
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Osmeriformes
familia = Alepocephalidae
genus = "Gyrinomimus"
species = "G. grahami"
binomial = "Gyrinomimus grahami"
binomial_authority = Richardson & Garrick, 1964

Gyrinomimus grahami is a flabby whalefish of the genus "Gyrinomimus", found in all the southern oceans, at depths of at least 2,400 m. Its length is from 8 to 30 cm.

"Gyrinomimus grahami" is a deepwater species whose common name arose from its outline which resembles that of a whale. It has a large broad head with a large mouth and minute almost useless eyes. There are 4 rows of teeth in each jaw, the inside row having the largest teeth. The dorsal and anal fins are similarly sized and set back toward the tail, whilst the pectoral fins are small and there is no anal fin.

This fish has a well developed lateral line system on the head and body, with huge pores which aid in fish detection and navigation. It feeds by straining water for plankton, by taking water into its gaping mouth and forcing it out through its comb-like rows of teeth.

The colour is a uniform jet black with blue eyes and a pale brown mouth lining.

References

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* Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, "Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand", (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8