Deepbody boarfish facts for kids
The deepbody boarfish (Antigonia capros) is a type of fish that lives in the ocean. It's also called the robust deepsea boarfish. These fish belong to a group called Caproidae, which are known as boarfishes. You can find them in the warm parts of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
Quick facts for kids Deepbody boarfish |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Contents
Discovering the Deepbody Boarfish
The deepbody boarfish was first officially described in 1843. An English zoologist named Richard Thomas Lowe gave it its scientific name. He found the first known specimen near Madeira, an island in the Atlantic Ocean.
What's in a Name?
The scientific name for this fish is Antigonia capros.
- The first part, Antigonia, was chosen by Lowe. It might come from Greek words meaning "against" and "ancestor." This could mean the fish looked very unique to him.
- The second part, capros, means "boar." This name was likely given because it reminded people of another fish called Capros aper, which is also a boarfish.
What Does a Deepbody Boarfish Look Like?
The deepbody boarfish has a very flat body, shaped a bit like a diamond. It looks squeezed from the sides.
- Its head is small with some bony lines.
- It has large eyes and a small mouth that points upwards. The mouth can push out a bit.
- The dorsal fin (on its back) has 7 to 9 strong spines. The third spine is usually the longest. It also has many soft rays.
- The anal fin (on its belly) has 2 or 3 spines and many soft rays.
- Its pectoral fins (on its sides) are rounded and pointed.
- The fish is usually orange-red. It has three dark red stripes: one across its eye, one in the middle of its body, and one near its tail.
- The biggest deepbody boarfish ever found was about 30.5 centimeters (about 12 inches) long.
Where Do They Live?
You can find deepbody boarfishes in warm, tropical, and subtropical oceans all over the world.
- In the eastern Atlantic, they live from France down to South Africa.
- In the western Atlantic, they are found from New England down to Uruguay.
- In the Indo-Pacific region, they live from East Africa to Hawaii, and from Japan down to Australia.
These fish live near the bottom of the ocean. They are usually found between 100 and 300 meters (about 330 to 980 feet) deep. They like rocky slopes and ledges.
Deepbody Boarfish Habits
Deepbody boarfishes are always looking for food. They eat tiny ocean creatures like zooplankton, small molluscs, and crustaceans. They often gather in large groups. Adult boarfishes tend to stay closer to the ocean floor. Younger boarfishes, however, swim higher up in the water.
