Fiordland brotula

Taxobox
name = Fiordland brotula


image_caption =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Ophidiiformes
familia = Bythitidae
genus = "Fiordichthys"
genus_authority = Paulin, 1995
species = "F. slartibartfasti"
binomial = "Fiordichthys slartibartfasti"
binomial_authority = Paulin, 1995

The Fiordland brotula, "Fiordichthys slartibartfasti", is a rare viviparous brotula of the family Bythitidae, the only member of the genus "Fiordichthys". It is found only in the Fiordland region of the South Island of New Zealand, from depths of between 10 and 12 m. Their length is up to 11 cm.

The Fiordland brotula is a small codlike fish, very similar to the fleshfish, with long dorsal and anal fins and a small separate tail fin. Large rounded pectoral fins contrast with very long single-ray pelvic fins set well forward under the gill openings. The eyes lie low down above the mouth. This very rare species is found in holes and crevices of rubble areas.

This newly-described species is distinguished from the other New Zealand brotulas by having small, overlapping body scales and no head scales; the gill membranes are not attached below the chin; an opercular spine is present; and the anterior nostril is placed immediately above the upper lip. Males have a single pair of pointed ossified pseudoclaspers. The teeth are large suggesting that this species is an active carnivore. The Fiordland brotula is very secretive, living deep within crevices or caves, or under rocks, and is never seen under normal circumstances.

References

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