Butterfly kingfish (Gasterochisma melampus)

Scientific name: Gasterochisma melampus Richardson, 1845

Butterfly kingfish (Gasterochisma melampus)

The Butterfly kingfish (Gasterochisma melampus) is a marine fish of the family Scombridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 8–15°C (46–59°F). Native range: Circumglobal in southern temperate waters.

Butterfly kingfish care at a glance

Temperature
8–15°C (46–59°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 17 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13; Vertebrae: 44. Pelvic fins enormous in juveniles, longer than head length. Pelvic fins fitting into a deep ventral groove at all sizes. Interpelvic process tiny and bifid. No anterior corselet. Swim bladder present with two anterior projections that extend into the back of the skull. The morphological adaptations required for maintaining high brain and retinal temperatures are discussed in.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Gasterochisma melampus
Family
Scombridae (Mackerels, tunas, bonitos)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
164
Depth range
200 m (656 ft)
Environment
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous; depth range 200 - ? m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Circumglobal in southern temperate waters.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 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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