Giant triangular batfish (Malthopsis gigas)

Scientific name: Malthopsis gigas Ho & Shao, 2010

Giant triangular batfish (Malthopsis gigas)

The Giant triangular batfish (Malthopsis gigas) is a marine fish of the family Ogcocephalidae. Native range: Indo-Pacifc, Madagascar and Somalia to French Polynesia; north to Japan, south to New Zealand.

Biology

Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-6. This species differs from its congeners in having the following characters: relatively long and strong rostrum (5.2-11.5% SL, x = 8.6% SL); rostral spine directed forward and upward; body heavily covered with strong conical bucklers; numerous small and flat bucklers covering dorsal surface between principal bucklers; dorsal and anal fins relatively long, 17.6-29.5% SL and 17.4-24.2% SL, respectively; dorsal surface with black spots; anal fin when fully laid back extends beyond caudal fin base; largest adult body size (up to 136.4 mm) among its congeners 9Ref. 84006).

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Malthopsis gigas
Family
Ogcocephalidae (Batfishes)
Order
Lophiiformes (Anglerfishes)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
13.6
Depth range
210–540 m (689–1772 ft)
Environment
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 210 - 540 m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Indo-Pacifc: Madagascar and Somalia to French Polynesia; north to Japan, south to New Zealand.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless

Sources

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

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