- Javelin (fish)
Taxobox
name = Javelin
image_caption = Drawing by Dr Tony Ayling
regnum =Animalia
phylum =Chordata
classis =Actinopterygii
ordo =Gadiformes
familia =Macrouridae
genus = "Caelorinchus "
species = "C. australis"
binomial = "Caelorinchus australis"
binomial_authority = (Richardson, 1839)The javelin, javelinfish, or southern whiptail, "Caelorinchus australis", is arattail of the genus "Caelorinchus ", found aroundAustralia andNew Zealand at depths of between 80 and 500 m. Its length is between 25 to 50 cm.The javelin has the usual greatly elongated pointed tail of the
rattail s, but relatively small eyes and head and a conical snout. Body scales are covered with rows of large spines giving the fish a sandpaper-like feel and appearance. There is a small chin barbel and a long firstdorsal fin ray.The colour is green-grey, coloured with dark grey fins and faint saddle-like darker bars on the back.
References
*
* Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, "Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand", (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand1982 ) ISBN 0-00-216987-8
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.