Marine Life

Longsnout lancetfish

Fangadu tholhi

Alepisaurus ferox

Maldivian fishermen occasionally report sightings of Alepisaurus ferox, which they believe to be juvenile sailfish. On 26 February 1985, a 93 cm long individual of this species was caught by longline from the Ministry of Fisheries research vessel “Miyavalli”, approximately 120 miles east-northeast of Male.

Details

§ 01

size: Max. 2 m
color: Dull brown. No white spots on dorsal fin membrane. Eyes turquoise.
order: Aulopiformes
family: Alepisauridae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/alepisaurus-ferox.png
habitat and biology: Discovered in the depths of the ocean.
distinctive characters: This species has a dorsal fin with 32-45 rays, an anal fin with 13-18 rays, a pectoral fin with 12-15 rays, and a pelvic fin with 8-10 rays, all of which lack spines. It has an elongated and compressed body, and a large sail-like first dorsal fin that originates above or behind the posterior margin of the operculum. The second dorsal fin is small and rubbery, and the mouth is very large with three fangs descending from the roof. The caudal fin is forked.