Channichthys velifer

Channichthys velifer, or the sail icefish, is a species of crocodile icefish endemic to the Kerguelen Plateau area of the Southern Ocean. This demersal species lives at depths of 125 to 150 m (410 to 492 ft).[1] It is described to have a light brownish-olive or grayish-olive color, with a white belly and dark spots on the caudal and dorsal fins forming brush-like patterns. The anal fins are whitish and dark brown spots are sometimes present. Preservation in formalin results in a reddish color. The granulation is moderate, and is better expressed in larger specimens. The dorsal fin membranes are high and there is a large number of dorsal fin rays, distinguishing it from similar Channichthys species (e.g. Channichthys rugosus). Furthermore, C.velifer has more pectoral fin rays than C.rugosus.[2] This species feeds on fishes and cephalopods [1] and is of no interest to commercial fisheries.[3]

Channichthys velifer
Illustration
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Channichthyidae
Genus: Channichthys
Species:
C. velifer
Binomial name
Channichthys velifer
E. E. Meisner, 1974

References
  1. Miller, R.G. (1993). A history and atlas of the fishes of the Antarctic Ocean. Nevada, USA: Foresta Institute. p. 792.
  2. Nikolaeva, E.A. and Balushkin, A.V. Morphological Characteristics of Sailfish Pike Channichthys velifer (Channichthyidae) from the Kerguelen Islands (Southern Ocean)
  3. "Channichthys velifer, Sail icefish". www.fishbase.se. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
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