Animalia Life

Barbourisia rufa
FAMILY
Barbourisiidae
TAXONOMY
Barbourisia rufa Parr, 1945, Gulf of Mexico.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English: Velvet whalefish; Japanese: Aka-kujira-uo-damashi.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Length about 15.8 in (40 cm). Unusual, with very large mouth (maxillae extend posteriorly well beyond level of eyes); teeth present on entire length of jaws; single dorsal fin located far posteriorly on back, close to caudal fin, with 20–23 rays; anal fin terminating at same level of dorsal fin, with 14–18 rays; pelvics (with 6 rays) and pectorals (with 12–14 rays) very small; skin covered in minute protuberances (velvety to the touch); lateral line very clearly demarcated by large-pored scales; coloration a uniform bright red.
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread but uncommon, occur in every major ocean usually at low latitudes, but reported to reach as far north as Greenland.
HABITAT
Captured usually near the bottom or in midwater over continental slopes and seamounts in depths of 394–6,562 ft (120–2,000 m).
BEHAVIOR
Benthopelagic, believed to be capable of vertical midwater migrations for feeding.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Nothing known.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Presumably lays pelagic eggs.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not threatened.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
None known.

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