The Barreleye Fish
The Barreleye Fish
Species Name: Opisthoproctidae
Physical Attributes:
The Barreleye Fish is known for its large barrel shaped eyes that are enclosed within an extremely unusual transparent fluid filled dome on its head. The rest of the body is covered in large silvery scales. They have small, toothless mouths ending in a pointed snout. The fins are wing-like, extending about half the body 's length. The largest of the species is at 50 centimeters. Most are under 20cm. The two holes that appear in the face are face nales, similar to the human nostrils.
Physical Capabilities:
The green shield in their eyes filter the light from the surface of the area, making it easier to spot the glow of prey swimming around.
Behavior:
When searching for food over head, the eyes point up. When feeding the eyes point forward. It uses its fins to position itself motionless in midwater, waiting for prey to swim into sight. Once prey is sighted, it turns its body from a horizontal position to a vertical position to attack and swiftly engulf it. Scientists call this an ambush predator.
Nourishment:
Scientists have not yet discovered the predator of the Barreleye fish, but every animal has to be eaten by something. They think it eats small fish and jellies.
Reproduction:
Male and female do exist in this species. Barreleye fish are pelagic spawners. Eggs and sperm are released directly into the water. The fertilized eggs are buoyant and planktonic; the larvae and juveniles drift with the current likely at much shallower depths than the adult and upon metamorphosis into adult form they descend to deeper waters.
Other information:
They are found off the coast of California and the North Pacific region, mainly at the depth of 3330ft. Their biome is marine; from open oceans to high water marks and into estuaries.
Bibliography
* Bebaychna Rai. "Barreleye Fish." Barreleye Fish. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012.
Species Name: Opisthoproctidae
Physical Attributes:
The Barreleye Fish is known for its large barrel shaped eyes that are enclosed within an extremely unusual transparent fluid filled dome on its head. The rest of the body is covered in large silvery scales. They have small, toothless mouths ending in a pointed snout. The fins are wing-like, extending about half the body 's length. The largest of the species is at 50 centimeters. Most are under 20cm. The two holes that appear in the face are face nales, similar to the human nostrils.
Physical Capabilities:
The green shield in their eyes filter the light from the surface of the area, making it easier to spot the glow of prey swimming around.
Behavior:
When searching for food over head, the eyes point up. When feeding the eyes point forward. It uses its fins to position itself motionless in midwater, waiting for prey to swim into sight. Once prey is sighted, it turns its body from a horizontal position to a vertical position to attack and swiftly engulf it. Scientists call this an ambush predator.
Nourishment:
Scientists have not yet discovered the predator of the Barreleye fish, but every animal has to be eaten by something. They think it eats small fish and jellies.
Reproduction:
Male and female do exist in this species. Barreleye fish are pelagic spawners. Eggs and sperm are released directly into the water. The fertilized eggs are buoyant and planktonic; the larvae and juveniles drift with the current likely at much shallower depths than the adult and upon metamorphosis into adult form they descend to deeper waters.
Other information:
They are found off the coast of California and the North Pacific region, mainly at the depth of 3330ft. Their biome is marine; from open oceans to high water marks and into estuaries.
Bibliography
* Bebaychna Rai. "Barreleye Fish." Barreleye Fish. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012.
Bibliography: * Bebaychna Rai. "Barreleye Fish." Barreleye Fish. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://www.animalspot.net/barreleye-fish.html>. * Institute, Photograph Courtesy Monterey Bay Aquarium Research. "First Photos: Weird Fish With Transparent Head." National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 23 Feb. 2009. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/02/photogalleries/fish-transparent-head-barreleye-picture/>. * "MBARI News Release - Researchers Solve Mystery of Deep-sea Fish with Tubular Eyes and Transparent Head." MBARI News Release - Researchers Solve Mystery of Deep-sea Fish with Tubular Eyes and Transparent Head. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://www.mbari.org/news/news_releases/2009/barreleye/barreleye.html>. * Burdick, Dave. "BARRELEYE FISH: See-Through Fish Caught In Photos (SLIDESHOW, VIDEO)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 24 Feb. 2009. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/24/barreleye-fish-with-trans_n_169502.html>.