Zu elongatus

Zu elongatus, the taper-tail ribbonfish, is a species of ray-finned fish within the family Trachipteridae.[1] The species distribution is likely in temperate and tropical waters in all oceans, but has only been occurred in the Atlantic and Pacific off Namibia, the western Cape coast (South Africa), and New Zealand.[2][3] It inhabits mesopelagic waters up to 1200 meters below sea level.[4] Other common names include the scalloped dealfish and spitsstert-lintvis in Afrikaans.[2]

Zu elongatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Lampriformes
Family: Trachipteridae
Genus: Zu
Species:
Z. elongatus
Binomial name
Zu elongatus
Heemstra & Kannemeyer, 1984

Biology

Zu elongatus grows to a length of 120 centimeters, with a silvery grey coloration with bars along the sides. The pelvic fins of adults are bright red.[3][4] Juveniles are epipelagic, spending time near the surface trailing elongated dorsal and pelvic fins that mimic siphonophores and jellyfish.[4][2] The diet of the species consists of crustaceans, small fish and squid. Eggs are large and free floating with a bright red coloration.[2]

Conservation

Zu elongatus has been classified as a 'Least concern' species by the IUCN Red List, as despite having little information about its population and ecology, it has no known major threats.[2]

References
  1. "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Zu elongatus Heemstra & Kannemeyer, 1984". www.marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
  2. "IUCN Red List, Zu elongatus". www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
  3. "Zu elongatus, Taper-tail ribbonfish". www.fishbase.se. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
  4. "Zu elongatus". fishesofaustralia.net.au. Retrieved 2022-12-10.


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