The torpedo-shaped, bronze-hued fish has been seen only four times in nearly thirty years of deep-sea research, scientists said
The Bathophilus flemingi, also known as the highfin dragonfish, was captured on video by a team of researchers in Monterey Bay, California. Named after the mythical creature, the torpedo-shaped fish is a predator that roams the depths of the ocean.
The fish can grow up to 16.5 cm in length and has long thin rays for fins. Scientists think the wing-like filaments can detect vibrations and can alert the fish of oncoming predators and prey. The dragonfish uses a sit-and-wait tactic in which it hangs motionless in midwater and waits for unsuspecting crustaceans and fish to feed on, according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute . It also uses a bioluminescent filament that extends from its chin.
“In more than three decades of deep-sea research and more than 27,600 hours of video, we’ve only seen this particular species four times! We spotted this individual just outside of Monterey Bay at a depth of about 300 meters ,” the researchers said in a Youtube videoThe fish captured by researchers on camera had a bronze hue unlike that of any other deep-sea species. “They are just amazing animals, and part of what is appealing is that color pattern,” Robinson said.
He added the bronze hue could likely be a type of camouflage as it absorbs the blue light that reaches the ocean’s depths. As a result, the fish blends into its dark environment and becomes nearly invisible.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Huge milestone' for traditional owners celebrating largest sea country agreement on Great Barrier ReefThe Darumbal people will manage more than 36,000 square kilometres of sea country off the central Queensland coast, using methods based on cultural lore and science.
Read more »
Has the Sea World monorail closed forever? Gold Coast theme park tight-lipped on ride's futureThe future of the Sea World monorail remains unclear after the carriages were removed from the Gold Coast theme park this week.
Read more »
Crew feared ageing Australian submarine would sink in deep sea mishapThe navy denies HMAS Sheean was at risk of sinking as it prepared to deep dive, but the event has left crew traumatised.
Read more »
Dive Bombers: What’s gone wrong at Essendon?How did we get here? A deep dive into what’s gone wrong since essendonfc made the finals last year, by mickgleeson | agerealfooty afl2022
Read more »
Massive amount of water found below Antarctica's ice sheet for first timeAccording to new research, the discovery may have implications for how the frozen continent reacts to the climate crisis. 9News
Read more »
A Chinese man called 'Ma' was detained. The news wiped $36 billion off Alibaba's stockThe market's roller coaster reaction is the latest sign of just how skittish investors are getting over China's embattled tech sector. 9News
Read more »