Black ruff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black ruff |
|
|---|---|
.gif) |
|
| Drawing by Dr Tony Ayling | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Centrolophus
|
| Species: |
niger
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The black ruff (Centrolophus niger) is a type of medusafish. It is the only species in its genus, Centrolophus. This fish lives in the deep parts of all tropical and temperate oceans. You can find it at depths from 50 to 1,000 meters (about 164 to 3,280 feet). A typical black ruff is about 60 centimeters (2 feet) long, but some can grow up to 150 centimeters (5 feet)! People also call it the rudderfish or blackfish.
Contents
What Does the Black Ruff Look Like?
The black ruff has a strong, torpedo-shaped body. While it can reach 150 cm (5 feet) long, most are around 60 cm (2 feet). Its top fin (dorsal fin) has five stiff spines and 37 to 41 soft rays. The fin on its underside (anal fin) has three spines and 20 to 24 soft rays. The bases of these fins are covered with scales, which partly hide the fin rays.
The head of the black ruff is grey. Its body can be violet-black, dark brown, or purplish, with a lighter belly. The fins are usually darker than the rest of its body. Sometimes, you might see faint spots or a marbled pattern on its skin.
Where Does the Black Ruff Live?
The black ruff lives in many parts of the world's oceans. You can find it in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, from Nova Scotia to Massachusetts. It also lives in the northeastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. Its range extends to the southeastern Atlantic and the Indian Ocean, including areas near South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. It's also found in the Southern Ocean.
This fish prefers deep waters, usually between 40 to 1,050 meters (130 to 3,440 feet) deep. However, it is most often found between 300 to 700 meters (980 to 2,300 feet). It mostly avoids very warm tropical areas. Sometimes, it is seen near the British Isles, like off County Galway or the Isles of Scilly. In 1901, a black ruff was even caught in a salmon net in the Firth of Forth and given to the Edinburgh Museum.
How Does the Black Ruff Live?
Young black ruff fish live closer to the ocean surface. But as they grow into adults, they move to much deeper waters. Adult black ruffs sometimes swim together in small groups.
Their diet mainly includes small fish, squid, and large crustaceans (like crabs or shrimp). They will also eat any other small animals they find while swimming in the middle of the ocean.
Images for kids
-
A robot drawing, representing a kid-friendly topic.
