Bathylychnops exilis

Bathylychnops exilis
Javelin spookfish
Scientific classification
Unrecognized taxon (fix): Opisthoproctidae
Genus: Bathylychnops
Species:
B. exilis
Binomial name
Bathylychnops exilis
Cohen, 1958[1]

Bathylychnops exilis, also known as the Javelin spookfish, is a species of barreleye found in the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. It lives at a depth of 640 meters (2,100 ft). It is 50 cm long.

Description

The Javelin spookfish's body is transparent and elongated, almost like a pike. The number of vertebrae is 78 to 84. Its muscles are well developed, meaning it's an active swimmer compared to other deep-sea fish.

The species has unusual protuberances that grow from its eyes, which made people call it a four-eyed fish. Despite this, however, they are not related to the genus Anableps at all.

References

  1. Cohen DM (1958). "Bathylychnops exilis, a new genus and species of argentinoid fish from the North Pacific". Stanford Ichthyological Bulletin. 7: 47-52.
  1. Cohen DM (1958). Bathylychnops exilis, a new genus and species of argentinoid fish from the North Pacific. Stanford Ichthyological Bulletin 7, 47-52.