Atlantic batfish (Dibranchus atlanticus)

Scientific name: Dibranchus atlanticus Peters, 1876

Atlantic batfish (Dibranchus atlanticus)

The Atlantic batfish (Dibranchus atlanticus) is a marine fish of the family Ogcocephalidae.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-7; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 4; Vertebrae: 18 - 19. Tubercles (its form of scales) have ridges radiating from the apical spine; these ridges heavily edged with spinules, especially the largest tubercles; thus, tubercles appear to be multi-spined. Vertebral count usually 18. Cephalic lateral-line counts: subopercular 4-6, preopercular, 1-3. Tail lateral-line counts 9-13. Usual number of dorsal fin rays 6, pectoral fin rays 14-15; vertebrae 18. Color differences observed between eastern and western Atlantic populations; specimens from Gulf of Guinea often have reticulate markings on the dorsal surface of the body, usually vague (occasionally strong), which are not seen in western Atlantic material. Fins, except dorsal, usually have tubercles on bases of rays. Pectoral fins slender, sturdy relative to most other species; pelvic fins slender.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Dibranchus atlanticus
Family
Ogcocephalidae (Batfishes)
Order
Lophiiformes (Anglerfishes)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
39.4
Common length
14.5
Depth range
45–1300 m (148–4265 ft)
Environment
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 45 - 1300 m, usually 300 - 823 m
Climate
Deep-water
Distribution
Western Atlantic: coasts of Canada and United States, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and the coast of South America to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; in the east, from the Gulf of Guinea to Angola.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: commercial
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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