Australian numbfish (Hypnos monopterygius) fish species and information / pictures of Australian numbfish - Hypnos monopterygius

Australian numbfish (Hypnos monopterygius) fish species information

Scientific Name
Hypnos monopterygius

Common Name
Australian numbfish

Biology
Occurs inshore and offshore, ranging from the intertidal to 240 m depth. Found buried on sand and mud bottoms; sometimes found stranded out of water by the tide but is capable of surviving for hours. Feeds on crabs, worms, and fishes. Ovoviviparous. A slow-moving species which uses its electric organs to stun prey. Also stuns people when accidentally stepped upon or handled. Maximum length probably to 92 cm TL.

Classification

Classified By

Shaw, 1795

Class

Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)

Order

Electric rays (Torpediniformes)

Family

Coffin rays (Hypnidae)

Distribution

Region

Indo-West Pacific

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: endemic to Australia.

Range

21°S - 38°S

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

240 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 240 m

Trophic Level

3.67 s.e. 0.57 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

70.0 cm

Common Length

40.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 1.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (69 of 100)

Resilience

Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Other (Ref. 10011)

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)