Scientific Name
Macropinna microstoma
Common Name
Barreleye
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 0;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 11;
Anal
spines: 0;
Anal
soft rays: 14. This species' most striking feature is the transparent, cowl-like shield that covers the top of the head, and its prominent tubular eyes within. The shield is a tough, flexible integument that attaches to the dorsal and medial scales behind the head, and to the broad, transparent subocular bones that protect the eyes laterally. The fluid-field chamber found beneath the shield surrounds and protects the eyes with vivid green lenses. The tubular eyes of this fish can look forward as well as upward (with maximum arc of rotation observed about 75 degrees). The morphology of the eyes apparently allow at least two feeding modes: (1) with body horizontal and with eyes directed upward, it can spot food against lighted waters above, it pivots its body to bring the mouth up for ingestion while eyes are locked on target, rotating from dorsal to rostral relative to the body; and (2) with